Demetrius Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Demetrius is a name of Greek origin, meaning 'follower of Demeter'. It has evolved from its ancient Greek forms through Latin and early Christian usage. The name is associated with agricultural heritage and has biblical relevance, being mentioned in the New Testament. Historically, it gained popularity in ancient Greece and the subsequent Hellenistic period, remaining in use through the Middle Ages to the modern day. Today, it carries connotations of strength and cultural significance.
The name Demetrius is most popular in District of Columbia, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Demetrius has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Demetrius' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3689th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4363rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 886th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 338th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 297th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 459th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 781st out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3269th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1686th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3174th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18230th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Demetrius' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Demetrius"
Pronunciation
/dɪˈmiːtrɪəs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Demetrius is derived from the Greek name Δημήτριος (Dēmētrios), which is rooted in the name of the Greek goddess Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility.
Meaning
follower of Demeter
Language Evolution
Demetrius (Ancient Greek), Demetrius (Latin), Demetrius (Early Christian usage)
Biblical Background
Demetrius is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the book of 3 John, where he is described as a good testimony among the brethren.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in ancient Greece and was widely used during the Hellenistic period. It saw further use in early Christianity and continued to be a common name throughout the Middle Ages.
Variants & Derivatives
Demitri, Dimitri, Demetrios, Demi
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Demetrius is often viewed as a name with classical and noble connotations, associated with strength and cultural heritage.
Famous People
Demetrius of Phalerum, an ancient Greek statesman, Demetrius I of Syria, a king of the Seleucid Empire, Demetrius, a character in Shakespeare's play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Explore More Demetrius Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Demetrius"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Demetrius"
"Demetrius" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3689th of 7545 | 78 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4363rd of 6773 | 42 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 886th of 7552 | 1,333 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 338th of 10718 | 8,776 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 297th of 16616 | 12,884 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 459th of 24088 | 9,083 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 781st of 23106 | 3,703 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3269th of 12526 | 250 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1686th of 19264 | 908 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3174th of 27321 | 519 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 18230th of 35406 | 50 |
Regional Popularity of "Demetrius" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
26.72% 595th/2227 |
32.51% 790th/2430 |
31.27% 892nd/2853 |
34.63% 961st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
9.12% 268th/2937 |
10.77% 375th/3483 |
8.04% 283rd/3518 |
12.91% 522nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
5.94% 219th/3685 |
8.27% 370th/4475 |
4.56% 237th/5194 |
8.49% 536th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.27% 379th/4582 |
10.07% 520th/5164 |
5.58% 408th/7313 |
9.27% 692nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
15.79% 629th/3984 |
20.33% 912th/4487 |
10.73% 732nd/6822 |
16.35% 1026th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Demetrius" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
85.18% 1897th/2227 |
- |
85.94% 2452nd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.88% 1788th/2937 |
- |
30.22% 1063rd/3518 |
71.44% 2889th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
41.91% 2177th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Demetrius"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Demetrius" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.