Rising since 1986, #109 for boys today.
Popularity of Damian since 1912
Babies named Damian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 45 |
| 1920s | 91 |
| 1930s | 126 |
| 1940s | 231 |
| 1950s | 700 |
| 1960s | 1,865 |
| 1970s | 7,282 |
| 1980s | 5,719 |
| 1990s | 12,688 |
| 2000s | 26,034 |
| 2010s | 35,284 |
| 2020s | 19,855 |
Meaning & origin
Damian has been in consistent use in the United States since at least 1912, when it first appeared in Social Security records. The name experienced a notable peak in popularity in 2013, ranking higher than its position as of 2025. Since 1986, its usage has been on a rising trajectory, reflecting a modern preference for classic yet distinctive names. Damian is especially popular in states such as Nevada, California, and Texas, which may suggest cultural or regional affinities. Its etymology, rooted in Greek concepts of taming or subduing, gives it a subtle strength, while its religious history through early Christian saints adds depth. The name's enduring appeal is evident in its steady climb over recent decades, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both familiar and uncommon.
Damian is derived from the Greek name Damianos, which is related to "damazein" meaning "to tame" or "subdue." It may also be connected to the Greek goddess Damia, an epithet of Cybele. The name was borne by several early Christian saints, contributing to its use across Europe. It entered English usage in the medieval period and has seen a resurgence since the late 20th century.
Where Damian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Damian” around the world
Where Damian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
100
babies in 2024
Ireland
21
babies in 2025
Quebec
17
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dame, Damo
Sibling names for Damian
Names that share Damian's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sophia, Amelia, Isabella, Olivia, Ava, Selena, Adriane, Audriana, Carina, Corinne, Domonique, Sabrina, Salina, Selina, Abriana, Dariana, Delicia, Devonna, Gissell, Keandra, Luanna, Marlana, Mazikeen, Orianna, Sebrina, Alandra, Alonda, Angelicia, Asiana, Berenise, Biridiana, Brianca, Cerena, Cerina, Cerissa, Corianne, Dallana, Damiana, Demaria, Dorianne, Felina, Illianna, Karianna, Katrinia, Kawana, Lecia, Letisia, Loriana, Malasia, Milliana, Ronika, Sabryna, Sareena, Shatina, Siomara, Talina, Tamaria, Terriana, Terrianna, Torianna, Yuriana, Adianna, Antania, Camala, Cariana, Cherisse, Corinda, Corrinna, Dahiana, Daliana, Damariz, Demiana, Demonica, Doriann, Eraina, Illyanna, Ivianna, Jannessa, Kitrina, Klarisa, Laurisa, Mareena, Maricia, Mauriana, Millianna, Renika, Samyrah, Saprina, Seleena, Sereena, Serenna, Seryna, Shantasia, Subrena, Tashima, Teriana, Tomisha, Valaree, Vanissa, Yulitza, Zarianna, Amariz, Damonica, Marleena, Natina, Adreanne, Anaissa, Angelyse, Avilene, Calandria, Christionna, Damyla, Dariane, Dariella, Darriana, Deliana, Destina, Doriana, Driana, Iridiana, Jadine, Jalexia, Jariana, Katanya, Kataya, Lateria, Lauriana, Lavana, Lorenia, Lorenna, Nataline, Quintara, Riviera, Romanda, Santasia, Saryna, Satoria, Serana, Tamkia, Tariana, Tattiana, Taviana, Titiana, Totiana, Verenise, Yariana, Yarianna, Zorianna
Brothers: Julian, Elijah, Owen, Lucas, Micah, Adrian, Fabian, Marlon, Damond, Exavier, Natanael, Andrik, Julion, Toriano, Yovanny, Alucard, Corydon, Gabrian, Jovin, Octavion, Tilian, Dametri, Givanni, Kishaun, Leondro, Leonte, Luian, Macarius, Oberyn, Zamarian
Names like Damian
Names whose popularity has moved with Damian's over the last 50 years.
