Damien
Meaning of Damien
The name Damien is a strong and timeless choice for a baby boy, with rich historical and cultural roots. Originating from the Greek name Damianos, it means "to tame" or "subdue." The name has been popular in various cultures and languages, including French, where it is pronounced as da-MYAHN (/da.mjɑ̃/), and English, where it is pronounced as DAY-mee-ən (/ˈdeɪmiən/). One notable association is Saint Damien of Molokai, a Catholic saint who dedicated his life to helping those with leprosy in Hawaii. This connection lends the name an aura of compassion and selflessness.
In terms of popularity in the United States, Damien has seen a steady presence over the decades. It first appeared on the charts in 1940 and gained substantial traction starting in the late 1970s. Its highest rank was achieved in 1980 when it reached position 182. In recent years, Damien continues to be a popular choice for parents, ranking at 329th place in 2023 with 1,009 occurrences. A common variation of this name is Damian, which also enjoys widespread use.
Overall, Damien offers a blend of classic appeal and modern relevance, making it an excellent option for parents seeking a meaningful yet contemporary name for their son.
Pronunciation
French
- Pronunced as da-MYAHN (/da.mjɑ̃/)
English
- Pronunced as DAY-mee-ən (/ˈdeɪmiən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Damien
| Damien Zev Moyal is a Dutch-born American vocalist, lyricist, musician, and designer known for his work in various hardcore punk and gothic rock bands. |
| Damien Wayne Echols is an American writer and member of the West Memphis Three, known for his autobiographies and spiritual books following his release from death row in 2011. |
| Damien Chazelle is an award-winning American film director, screenwriter, and producer, known for directing Whiplash, La La Land, First Man, and Babylon. |
| Damien Rice is an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter known for his solo career after leaving the rock group Juniper. |
| Damien Peter Parer was an Australian war photographer known for his iconic Second World War photography and as the cinematographer for Australia's first Oscar-winning film, "Kokoda Front Line!" before being killed by Japanese machine-gun fire at Peleliu, Palau. |
| Damien Horne, also known as Mista D, is an American recording artist, musician, and songwriter. |
| Damien Escobar, also known as Dame Esco, is an American violinist known for his "crossover violin" style, blending classical, jazz, pop, R&B, and hip hop influences. |
| Damien Richard Fahey is a multi-talented American writer, voice actor, DJ, and television host, known for his work on Family Guy and as a former video jockey on MTV. |
| Damien Brown is an Australian retired professional footballer. |
| Damien Faulkner is an Irish race car driver known for his successful career in various racing series. |
| Damien Robinson is a former NFL safety who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks, and attended the University of Iowa. |
| Damien Schumann is a male beach volleyball player from Australia. |
| Damien Samuel Allen is a former English footballer and current academy manager at Stockport County. |
| Damien Chrysostome - Damien Koffi Anderson Chrysostome is a retired Beninese professional footballer known for his career in the Italian lower leagues and his international appearances for the Benin national team. |
| Damien Dante Wayans is an American actor, screenwriter, producer, and director, known for being a member of the famous Wayans family. |
