The name Damien has its origins in the Late Latin name Damianus, which itself derived from the Greek name Damianos. Damianos is thought to have emerged from the Greek word "damian" which means "to tame" or "to subdue." The name was likely given to those perceived as having a calming presence or the ability to tame wild animals or unruly people.

One of the earliest known references to the name Damien comes from ancient Christian texts, where Saint Damian was a 3rd-century physician and martyr. Along with his twin brother Cosmas, the two were among the earliest unmercenaryized Christian physicians and are celebrated as the patrons of physicians, midwives, and pharmacists in many Christian traditions.

Another early historical figure with the name was Damien of Alexandria, a 7th-century Patriarch of Alexandria who played a role in the monothelite controversy within the Byzantine Empire. During the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 639 AD, Damien negotiated the terms of surrender for the city of Alexandria.

In the 19th century, one of the most famous bearers of the name was Father Damien, born Jozef De Veuster, a Catholic priest from Belgium who became known for his missionary work with lepers in Hawaii. He died in 1889 at the age of 49 after contracting leprosy while living and working among leper colonies on the island of Molokai.

Other notable historical figures named Damien include Damien Daufresne, a 17th-century French missionary and explorer who accompanied René-Robert Cavelier on his final expedition to the Mississippi River in 1687. Damien Hirst, born in 1965, is a leading British artist known for his works using preserved animals and diamonds.

Damien Chazelle, born in 1985, is an American filmmaker and writer best known for directing the critically acclaimed films Whiplash and La La Land, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Director. Damien Lewis, born in 1971, is a renowned British actor who has starred in numerous films and television shows, including Band of Brothers and Homeland.