The name Damaris is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "damalis," which means "young cow" or "heifer." The name likely originated in the Hellenic era, which spanned from the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE.

The earliest recorded usage of the name Damaris can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Book of Acts, chapter 17, verse 34, a woman named Damaris is mentioned as being among the first converts to Christianity in Athens. This reference dates back to the 1st century CE.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Damaris was Damaris Cudworth Masham, an English philosopher and theologian who lived from 1659 to 1708. She was a prominent figure in the Cambridge Platonist movement and a close friend of the philosopher John Locke.

Another notable Damaris was Damaris Howard, Countess of Suffolk, an English noblewoman who lived from 1685 to 1754. She served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne and was known for her influence in court politics during the early 18th century.

In the literary world, Damaris Masham, a character in the novel "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, was named after the philosopher Damaris Cudworth Masham. The novel was published in 1726.

During the 19th century, Damaris Shurley Cudworth, an English writer and feminist, lived from 1830 to 1908. She was an advocate for women's rights and education and published several works on these topics.

In more recent times, Damaris Lewis, an American actress and model born in 1990, has gained recognition for her roles in television shows such as "Blackish" and "Blindspotting."

Despite its ancient origins, the name Damaris has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, but it has been used across various cultures and time periods, often associated with notable individuals in fields such as philosophy, literature, and the arts.