"sunset, west (where sun sets)"
Dimas
Pronunciation: [ d-EYEM-uhz ]
Named for the thief who earned paradise — a name of redemption
Meaning & Origin
"the Good Thief (Saint Dismas)"
The Story of Dimas
Dimas is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Dismas (also written Dysmas), from the Greek 'dysmé' (δύσμη) meaning sunset or the west — where the sun sets. In Christian tradition, Dismas is the name given to the 'Good Thief' or 'Penitent Thief' — the crucified criminal who defended Jesus and was promised paradise. Though his name doesn't appear in the Bible, the Gospel of Nicodemus gives him the name Dismas. He became San Dismas, the patron saint of thieves and prisoners.
Dimas has been a consistent traditional name in Latin America, the Philippines, and among Portuguese-speaking communities in Brazil. Its connection to San Dismas gives it religious significance for Catholic families, and it has been used in these communities for centuries as a devotional name.
San Dismas (Saint Dismas) is widely venerated in Catholic Latin America and the Philippines as the patron of prisoners, those condemned to death, and those seeking redemption. Churches, hospitals, and prisons bear his name across the Spanish-speaking world. Naming a son Dimas connects him to the theological message that redemption is available to all.
Fun Facts
- San Dismas (the Good Thief) is the patron saint of prisoners and those seeking redemption in Catholic tradition
- The name Dismas/Dimas doesn't appear in the canonical Gospels — it comes from the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus
- In the Philippines, San Dimas is a municipality in Laguna province, reflecting the name's deep roots in Filipino Catholic culture
Dimas in Other Languages
Famous People Named Dimas
Dimas Castellanos
Activist
1945
Cuban dissident and pro-democracy journalist and activist
Dismas (the Good Thief)
Religious
The penitent thief crucified alongside Jesus who defended him and was promised paradise; patron saint of prisoners
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,263
- Total SSA Count
- 25
- Cultural Origins
- Hispanic Brazilian Filipino Portuguese Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Same Origin Names (Hispanic)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dimas
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About the Name Dimas
Dimas is a boy name with Hispanic, Brazilian, Filipino, Portuguese, and Spanish origins . The name means "sunset, west (where sun sets)" in Greek (dysmé) .
Dimas is currently ranked #4,263 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dimas has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EYEM-uhz, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dimas include Dimi and Di. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.