Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Damaris
GirlGreek· “uncertain; perhaps 'calf' or 'gentle'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; perhaps 'calf' or 'gentle' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- duh-MAR-ihs
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,437
- US babies 2025
- 150
- Best rank
- #603 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Damaris
Damaris is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps 'calf' or 'gentle'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Damaris is a Greek name that appears in the Book of Acts, where a woman named Damaris is among those in Athens who believed after hearing Paul speak. Its meaning is uncertain; it may be related to a Greek word for a young cow, or to a root meaning to tame, and scholars have not agreed. The Puritans adopted it, and it has been used quietly in English-speaking countries since. It is also popular in Latin America. Damaris feels elegant and distinctive. Mari and Dee are nicknames.
Popularity over time
Damaris first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1971. Its best national rank was #603 in 2006, the same year it reached its highest count of 483 babies. In 2025, 150 babies were named Damaris, and it ranked #1,437 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,571 in 1950, #949 in 1980, #731 in 2000, #941 in 2010, and #1,437 in 2025. Of the 12,734 US girls named Damaris since records began, 29% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 2,301 babies. Since 2010, 2,716 more have been named Damaris.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sanaa, Jazmyn, Rhianna, Cherish, and Patience.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Damaris ranked highest in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Tennessee.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #756 | 6 |
| Wisconsin | #820 | 5 |
| Tennessee | #826 | 8 |
| Alabama | #851 | 5 |
| California | #980 | 28 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Damaris over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Damaris is usually pronounced duh-MAR-ihs, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with D and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Damaris
A few middle names that flow with Damaris: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Damaris
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Lists that include Damaris
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Damaris mean?
Damaris is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps 'calf' or 'gentle'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Damaris?
Damaris has Greek roots. Damaris is a Greek name that appears in the Book of Acts, where a woman named Damaris is among those in Athens who believed after hearing Paul speak.
Is Damaris a popular name?
Not especially. Damaris ranked #1,437 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Damaris a boy or girl name?
Damaris is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Damaris over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Damaris?
Damaris is usually pronounced duh-MAR-ihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings