Find out how popular the first name Demi has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Demi by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Demi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Demi being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 776 female babies and 12 male babies born with the name Demi.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 12 baby boys were named Demi in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Demi

The name Demi has its origins in Greek culture, deriving from the word "dêmios" which means "belonging to the people" or "public". It was initially used as a prefix or combining form, attached to other words to indicate something related to the common populace or the general public.

In ancient Greek mythology, Demeter was the goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. Her name is a compound formed by the elements "dê" (earth) and "mêtêr" (mother), reflecting her role as the nurturing mother of the earth and all living things. The name Demi may have been influenced by this association with the divine figure.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Demi as a given name can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century AD. During this period, it was occasionally used as a diminutive or shortened form of longer names beginning with the prefix "Demi-", such as Demetrios or Demetria.

In the Middle Ages, the name Demi appeared sporadically in various European regions, often as a nickname or abbreviated version of names like Demetria or Demetrius. However, it was not widely used as a standalone given name until more recent times.

One notable historical figure with the name Demi was Demi Moore, an American actress born in 1962. She rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with roles in films like "Ghost" and "G.I. Jane". Her striking name helped establish her as a recognizable figure in popular culture.

Another individual with the name Demi was Demi Lovato, an American singer and actress born in 1992. She gained widespread recognition as a Disney Channel star and later transitioned into a successful music career, releasing several hit albums and singles.

In the world of literature, Demi is the name of a character in the fantasy novel series "The Mortal Instruments" by Cassandra Clare. Demi is a skilled Shadowhunter, a fictional race of warriors dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats.

The name Demi has also been associated with historical figures like Demi Tasse, a French artist and painter from the 19th century, known for her vibrant landscapes and portraits. Additionally, Demi Quartet was a renowned classical music ensemble that performed in the early 20th century.

While the name Demi has ancient roots in Greek culture, its adoption as a standalone given name is a relatively modern phenomenon. Its unique sound and association with notable individuals have contributed to its increasing popularity in recent decades.

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

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

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