Damon
BoyGreek· “to tame, to subdue”
- Meaning
- to tame, to subdue
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- DAY-muhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #501
- US babies 2025
- 604
- Best rank
- #104 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1976
Meaning and origin of Damon
Damon is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “to tame, to subdue”.
Damon comes from Greek and is usually connected with the verb damazo, to tame or subdue. In a well-known story from ancient Greece, Damon and Pythias were two friends whose loyalty was so great that one offered his life for the other, and the pair became a symbol of true friendship. The name appears occasionally in classical sources and was revived in English in the twentieth century. Actor Matt Damon carries it as a surname. Damon feels confident and a little retro, with Dame and Day as possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Daman.
Popularity over time
Damon has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 123 different years. Its best national rank was #104 in 1976, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,453 babies. In 2025, 604 babies were named Damon, and it ranked #501 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #866 in 1920, #627 in 1950, #251 in 1980, #289 in 2000, #419 in 2010, and #501 in 2025. Of the 68,841 US boys named Damon since records began, 29% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 9,632 babies. Since 2010, 11,330 more have been named Damon.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Geoffrey, Clifton, and Toby.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Damon ranked highest in New Mexico, Nevada, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #277 | 7 |
| Nevada | #280 | 11 |
| Mississippi | #322 | 10 |
| Nebraska | #344 | 7 |
| Kansas | #359 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Damon is usually pronounced DAY-muhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Daman.
Middle names for Damon
A few middle names that flow with Damon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Damon
Similar names
Lists that include Damon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Damon mean?
Damon is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “to tame, to subdue”.
What is the origin of the name Damon?
Damon has Greek roots. Damon comes from Greek and is usually connected with the verb damazo, to tame or subdue.
Is Damon a popular name?
Yes. Damon ranked #501 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Damon a boy or girl name?
Damon is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Damon?
Damon is usually pronounced DAY-muhn. 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