Find out how popular the first name Damascus has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Damascus by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Damascus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Damascus.

The history of the first name Damascus

The name Damascus is of Aramaic origin, derived from the ancient Semitic word "dammeseq" or "dameseq," which referred to the city of Damascus in modern-day Syria. The city's name is believed to be derived from the Semitic root "d-m-sh-q," meaning "to be well-watered" or "fertile land," reflecting the city's location along the fertile oasis of the Barada River.

The name Damascus is first mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis, where it is referred to as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city is also mentioned in various other ancient texts, including the Amarna letters, the Ebla tablets, and the Mesopotamian cuneiform texts.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Damascus is a Christian saint and martyr named Damascus, who lived in the 4th century AD and was killed during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Another notable figure with the name Damascus is Damascus of Cordoba, a Muslim scholar and philosopher who lived in the 9th century AD in Cordoba, Spain. He was known for his work in astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy.

In the 12th century, a Benedictine monk named Damascus was a chronicler and historian who wrote about the Norman conquest of England and the reigns of William the Conqueror and his sons.

During the 16th century, a Spanish painter named Damascus Quijada was known for his religious paintings and altarpieces in the churches of Seville and the surrounding region.

In the 18th century, a French poet and dramatist named Damascus Belleteste gained recognition for his plays and satirical works, which often criticized the aristocracy and societal norms of his time.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Damascus, which has its roots in the ancient city of Damascus and its rich cultural and historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Damascus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Damascus, please contact us.

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