Find out how popular the first name Damon has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Damon by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Damon is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Damon being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 742 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Damon.

The history of the first name Damon

The name Damon has its origins in ancient Greek culture and language. It is derived from the Greek word "damas" which means "to tame" or "subdue." The name is believed to have been used as early as the 5th century BC in ancient Greece.

In Greek mythology, Damon was a figure known for his unwavering loyalty and friendship. He was the close friend of Pythias, and their legendary bond became a symbol of true friendship. The story of Damon and Pythias, in which Damon offers to be executed in place of his friend, exemplifies the virtues associated with the name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Damon can be found in the works of the ancient Greek philosopher and playwright, Plato. In his dialogues, Plato mentions a character named Damon who was a renowned music theorist and philosopher.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Damon. In the 4th century BC, Damon of Athens was a renowned Pythagorean philosopher and mathematician. Another Damon, who lived in the 3rd century BC, was a Greek historian and logographer from Cyrene.

In more recent times, the name Damon has been carried by famous individuals such as Damon Runyon (1880-1946), an American writer and humorist known for his short stories and the Damon Runyon Theater. Damon Albarn (born 1968) is a British musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the co-founder of the virtual band Gorillaz.

Damon Wayans (born 1960) is an American actor, comedian, and writer, famous for his work on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color" and the sitcom "My Wife and Kids." Damon Hill (born 1960) is a British former racing driver and the 1996 Formula One World Champion.

Damon Lindelof (born 1973) is an American writer and producer, best known for his work on the television series "Lost" and "The Leftovers." These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have carried the name Damon throughout history, a name that has endured for over two millennia.

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 Damon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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