"earth-lover"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Demetrius
Pronunciation: [ d-ihm-EETR-ee-uhs ]
Boy Name
#1,041 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
4 Syllables
A regal Greek classic honoring the goddess of harvest
Greek
Russian
African American
Eastern European
Classic
Royal
Strong
Elegant
Spiritual
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Demetrius
Demetrius is the Latinized form of the Greek Demetrios, meaning devoted to Demeter — the goddess of grain and harvest. The name was widespread in the ancient Greek world, used by kings, Macedonian generals, and early Christian saints. Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, a 4th-century martyr, made the name enormously popular throughout Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where it remains a major feast-day name.
Demetrius found significant popularity in African American communities in the United States from the 1960s through the 1990s, as parents gravitated toward classical, regal-sounding Greek and Latin names. The name peaked in the US during the 1980s.
In Eastern Orthodox countries (Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria), Demetrius and its variants are sacred names tied to the veneration of Saint Demetrius. Greek name-day celebrations on October 26th are major festive occasions for all Demetrios bearers.
Fun Facts
- Saint Demetrius is one of the Great Martyrs of the Orthodox church and patron saint of Thessalonica
- Shakespeare used the name twice: in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Titus Andronicus
Demetrius in Other Languages
Greek
Δημήτριος
Italian
Demetrio
Russian
Дмитрий
Serbian
Димитрије
Spanish
Demetrio
Famous People Named Demetrius
D
Demetrius Andrade
Athlete
1988
American professional boxer, two-division world champion
D
Demetrius of Athens Fictional
Other
Character in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, a young Athenian nobleman enchanted by Oberon's spell
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #1,041
- Total SSA Count
- 213
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Russian African American Eastern European
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Demi
Dem
Trey
D
Pairs Well With
Demetrius James
Demetrius Lamar
Demetrius Andre
Demetrius Antoine
Demetrius Wayne
Demetrius Alexander
Demetrius Marcus
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Demetrius is also used as a girl name, ranked #36529.
View Demetrius as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Demetrius
What does the name Demetrius mean?
"earth-lover" (from Greek). Demetrius is the Latinized form of the Greek Demetrios, meaning devoted to Demeter — the goddess of grain and harvest. The name was widespread in the ancient Greek world, used by kings, Macedonian generals, and early Christian saints. Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, a 4th-century martyr, made the name enormously popular throughout Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where it remains a major feast-day name.
What is the origin of the name Demetrius?
Demetrius has Greek, Russian, African American, and Eastern European origins. In Greek, it means "earth-lover".
Is Demetrius a boy or girl name?
Demetrius is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1041. As a girl name, it is ranked #36529. Demetrius is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Demetrius?
Demetrius is pronounced d-ihm-EETR-ee-uhs.
How popular is the name Demetrius?
Demetrius is currently ranked #1041 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Demetrius?
Common nicknames for Demetrius include Demi, Dem, Trey, and D.
What are good middle names for Demetrius?
Popular middle name pairings include Demetrius James, Demetrius Lamar, Demetrius Andre, Demetrius Antoine, Demetrius Wayne, Demetrius Alexander, and Demetrius Marcus.
What are good sibling names for Demetrius?
Names that pair well with Demetrius as siblings include Marcus, Dominic, Titus, Seraphina, Octavia, Julius, Cassandra, and Lysander.
How many syllables does Demetrius have?
Demetrius has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Demetrius a common or rare name?
Demetrius is an uncommon name, ranked #1041 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Demetrius
Demetrius is a boy name with Greek, Russian, African American, and Eastern European origins . The name means "earth-lover" in Greek .
Is Demetrius a boy or girl name? Demetrius is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,041 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #36,529. Demetrius is more commonly used as a boy name.
Demetrius is currently ranked #1,041 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Demetrius has 4 syllables and is pronounced d-ihm-EETR-ee-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Demetrius include Demi, Dem, Trey, and D. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Demetrius include Demetri, Demetrio . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.