The given name Dimitrios has its origins in the Greek language and culture, with records of its use dating back to ancient times. The name is derived from the Greek word "Demeter," which was the name of the goddess of agriculture, fertility, and sacred law. Demeter was one of the most revered deities in ancient Greek mythology.

In its earliest form, the name was spelled as "Demetrios" in Greek. Over time, the spelling evolved to "Dimitrios," which is the more commonly used variant today. The name essentially means "follower or devotee of Demeter" or "one who belongs to Demeter."

The name Dimitrios has been used throughout Greek history, appearing in various ancient texts and historical records. One of the earliest notable individuals with this name was Demetrius I, also known as Demetrius Poliorcetes, who lived from 336 BC to 283 BC. He was a king of Macedon, a skilled military leader, and one of the successors of Alexander the Great.

Another famous bearer of the name was Demetrius of Phaleron, an Athenian orator, statesman, and philosopher who lived from around 350 BC to 283 BC. He was known for his efforts to establish a library in Athens and for his reforms in the city's administration.

In the Christian tradition, the name Dimitrios gained significance as it was borne by several early saints and martyrs. One of the most well-known is Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, who lived in the 3rd century AD and is venerated as a great martyr and miracle-worker in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

During the Byzantine Empire, the name Dimitrios remained popular, with several emperors and notable figures bearing this name. One such individual was Demetrius Cydones, a 14th-century scholar, translator, and diplomat who played a significant role in the attempted reconciliation between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

In more recent history, the name Dimitrios has been carried by various notable individuals across different fields. Dimitri Mendeleev, the Russian chemist who created the periodic table of elements, was born in 1834. Dimitri Shostakovich, the renowned Soviet composer and pianist, lived from 1906 to 1975.