Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Demi
GirlGreek, French· “short form of Demetria; also half”
- Meaning
- short form of Demetria; also half
- Origin
- Greek, French
- Pronunciation
- DEM-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #381
- US babies 2025
- 804
- Best rank
- #339 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Demi
Demi is a Greek and French name that is usually said to mean “short form of Demetria; also half”.
Demi is usually treated as a short form of Demetria, the feminine of Demetrius, meaning of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture. It also matches the French word demi, meaning half, though that is a coincidence of spelling rather than the source of the name. The actress Demi Moore made it widely known, and the singer Demi Lovato later added to its recognition. The name is short, bright and a little glamorous. Some parents choose Demetria or Demetra as the formal version and use Demi every day.
Popularity over time
Demi first appears in US Social Security records in 1964. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years, starting in 1991. Its best national rank was #339 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 914 babies. In 2025, 804 babies were named Demi, and it ranked #381 nationally. That is 64% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,116 in 2000, #848 in 2010, and #381 in 2025. Of the 14,869 US girls named Demi since records began, 34% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,815 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Alaya, Wynter, Royalty, Elle, and Willa.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Demi ranked highest in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | #49 | 61 |
| Mississippi | #169 | 15 |
| Illinois | #217 | 46 |
| Missouri | #268 | 23 |
| Utah | #279 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Demi is usually pronounced DEM-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with D and ends in “-mi”.
Middle names for Demi
A few middle names that flow with Demi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Demi
Similar names
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Lists that include Demi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Demi mean?
Demi is a Greek and French name that is usually said to mean “short form of Demetria; also half”.
What is the origin of the name Demi?
Demi has Greek and French roots. Demi is usually treated as a short form of Demetria, the feminine of Demetrius, meaning of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture.
Is Demi a popular name?
Yes. Demi ranked #381 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Demi a boy or girl name?
Demi is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Demi?
Demi is usually pronounced DEM-ee. 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