Declining since 2008, #352 for boys today.
Popularity of Damien since 1936
Babies named Damien per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 86 |
| 1950s | 195 |
| 1960s | 504 |
| 1970s | 6,426 |
| 1980s | 8,168 |
| 1990s | 9,073 |
| 2000s | 18,526 |
| 2010s | 15,261 |
| 2020s | 6,506 |
Meaning & origin
Damien is the French form of Damian, a name with ancient Greek roots meaning "to tame." Historically associated with Saint Damien, the name entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1936 and reached its peak popularity in 2007 (rank 94). Since 2008, its usage has gradually declined, and in 2025 it sits at rank 352, a rate of about 1 in 1,827 births. Despite the downturn, it remains a familiar choice, favored especially in Alaska, Hawaii, and Oregon. The name carries a classic sound with a slightly edgy, modern feel, partly due to its association with the character Damien from the 1973 horror film The Omen. Parents drawn to strong, traditional names with a touch of French flair often consider Damien alongside similar-sounding names like Kaden and Gavin.
Damien is the French form of Damianus, a Latinized form of the Greek name Damianos, derived from daman "to tame, subdue." Early Christians venerated several saints named Damien, most notably a 4th-century physician martyr and Saint Damien of Molokai, a 19th-century Belgian missionary to Hawaii. The name has been used in the English-speaking world since the 20th century, gaining wider popularity after the 1973 film The Omen.
Where Damien 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.
“Damien” around the world
Where Damien lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Quebec
45
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dame, Day
Sibling names for Damien
Names that share Damien's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Natalie, Claire, Audrey, Vivian, Elena, Angelique, Desiree, Dominique, Chantelle, Charisse, Deandra, Denisse, Gisselle, Letisha, Destinie, Donielle, Gizelle, Jeanelle, Laticia, Lawanna, Lianne, Necole, Solange, Ambrielle, Angelin, Annissa, Arienne, Belladonna, Chantele, Christelle, Corynne, Damaria, Damaya, Damiyah, Danetta, Darielle, Davetta, Delissa, Demiyah, Denette, Deshay, Domanique, Griselle, Jelisa, Jisselle, Kamika, Latrica, Leasia, Lissett, Marriah, Meshell, Moniqua, Natarsha, Raquelle, Renelle, Shakyra, Shamiah, Shonte, Tahnee, Tamaya, Tashiana, Venise, Vonetta, Adraine, Aleera, Angelyne, Anjelique, Audrielle, Aurielle, Avrielle, Carinne, Chandelle, Charmine, Chauntelle, Cornisha, Dametria, Damika, Damonique, Damyah, Desree, Deyanna, Domique, Geselle, Gyselle, Jatara, Juliene, Kennesha, Kristelle, Lamyia, Meleena, Monquie, Rickia, Shaketa, Shamona, Shantay, Shawnita, Sherea, Takesha, Tamyia, Tyrianna, Vanassa, Yanette, Antavia, Celines, Cherene, Jalayia, Kenasia, Sherrica, Toneka, Adriena, Arlisha, Audrena, Aundreya, Brenee, Chanele, Chantella, Charmelle, Daionna, Damyia, Damyra, Danine, Dejane, Dejanique, Dennisse, Desira, Desirre, Desyre, Dezaree, Donique, Erienne, Gizzelle, Guiselle, Jacoria, Janavia, Janiene, Javanna, Jazmon, Joleena, Justene, Latissa, Leianne, Leniya, Marchel, Montasia, Morticia, Pavielle, Renaye, Rennae, Shamela, Shaquinta, Sophonie, Tanaja, Tanielle, Tanikka, Tearia, Tenicia, Terriyah, Titianna, Tyaisha, Valeree, Valyncia, Yanelle, Yaqueline
Brothers: Julian, Adrian, Gabriel, Dominic, Nathan, Dominque, Marcell, Andrae, Azrael, Danthony, Demitrius, Derrion, Diante, Javien, Marquell, Azazel, Damarian, Davonne, Dushawn, Fabrice, Jemel, Damarious, Damarkus, Deeric, Demarea, Demorris, Dezmen, Donye, Jaymon, Jeremaine, Jullien, Marcellis, Marcellous, Sayvon, Shawon, Tramon, Travius, Lazarius, Damarie, Danarius, Demitrus, Desmen, Dezman, Dyrell, Gabrien, Jovoni, Keyshun, Leontae, Marcquis, Marsel, Roshard, Stephaun
Names like Damien
Names whose popularity has moved with Damien's over the last 50 years.
