Damien

“To tame” — Associated with Saint Damian

Greece origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#330US 2023

1kBirths / yr

↓Falling

59.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 197000

How to pronounce Damien

da-myen

/da-myen/ · · 2 syllables

“To tame”

Associated with Saint Damian · Greece origin

What does Damien mean and where does it come from?

Traditionally a male name, Damien has seen emerging use as a feminine name in modern times. Originating from the Greek 'Damianos', it is associated with Saint Damian, a physician and martyr. The name has historical significance and has been used in various cultures, especially in France and Greece.

Cultural significance

Damien has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to tame.

Peak popularity

Reached #3583 in 1979 — currently #330 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Damien?

Damien works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Damien Grace

How popular is Damien right now?

Declining — down 25 spots — currently #330 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#330 · Top 0.24%

1970

1975

1980

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#330	1,012	▼ down 25 · -8% births
2022	#305	1,102	▼ down 25 · -11% births
2021	#280	1,233	▲ up 6287 · +12230% births
1985	#6567	10	▼ down 1240 · -23% births
1980	#5327	13	▲ up 346 · +30% births
1975	#5673	10	▲ up 2708 · +100% births
1970	#8381	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Damien

Best Year2021Rank #280

Peak Count1,233

Average Rank#3838

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 20237 years

The story of Damien

Damien is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. A total of 59,647 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8381 in 1970 to #330 in 2023. Damien is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Damien in 1979:

Jennifer Melissa Amanda Jessica Amy

Damien by decade

Damien peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	12
1940s	86
1950s	196
1960s	503
1970s	6,532
1980s	8,255
1990s	9,101
2000s ★	18,552
2010s	15,209
2020s	1,201

What are good nicknames for Damien?

Common

DamDamieDamyAmien

What names sound and feel like Damien?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Damien also consider these

Dammien

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Damien written in other languages?

Gender variants of Damien

Damiana ITALIAN Damjana MACEDONIAN Damjana SERBIAN Damijana SLOVENE Damjana SLOVENE

Common questions about the name Damien

What does the name Damien mean?

Damien means "To tame" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Damien?

Damien is currently ranked #330 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Damien?

Damien originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Damien more of a girl or boy name?

Damien is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.

What are good nicknames for Damien?

Damien naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.