Demi

What does the baby name “Demi” mean?

Demi is a lively, modern name that literally means "half" in its Latin and French roots, though it is most commonly used as a short form of Demetria, a name connected to the Greek goddess of the harvest.

Origin of the baby name Demi

Demi has two distinct origin paths. As a standalone word, it traces through Middle English and Anglo-Norman to the Latin "dimidius," meaning "half," a prefix familiar from words like "demitasse." But as a given name, Demi is most commonly understood as a short form of Demetria, the feminine form of the Greek name Demetrios, which honors Demeter, the ancient Greek goddess of grain and the harvest. The goddess connection gives the name a rich mythological depth beneath its compact modern form.

History of the baby name “Demi”

Demi Moore and Demi Lovato are among the most recognized modern bearers of the name, which helped bring it to wider public attention in English-speaking countries through the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking Belgium, Demi has been a popular given name for girls through the same period. The name sits comfortably in the international crossover space between a short form and a standalone name.

Why parents choose the baby name “Demi”

Demi is punchy, warm, and immediately recognizable. Its two-syllable rhythm is perfectly balanced, and its connection to both a meaningful Greek heritage and a clear Latin meaning gives parents options for how to think about the name. It is the kind of name that sounds great in any language and at any age.

Nicknames for the Baby Name “Demi”

Dem, Demy, Demin, Demkin, Demster, Demerino, Deminator

Nicknames from Around the World for the Baby Name “Demi”

Terms of endearment for a baby name work differently around the world. Some cultures clip the name short, while others add an affectionate ending that can make it longer instead. Here is how the baby name Demi might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.

Variations on the baby name “Demi”

As a short form, Demi connects to Demetria and Demetra, the full Greek forms. Damy and Demy are occasional spelling variants. The broader family includes Dimitria, though that name has quite a different character. In Dutch-speaking regions, Demi is typically used as a complete given name rather than a nickname.

Baby names similar to “Demi”

These baby names share spelling patterns with Demi and may appeal to parents who love the look and feel of this name.

Baby names that sound like “Demi”

Baby sibling names for Demi

Matched by similar popularity, name length, and ending sound. See baby sibling names with numerology compatible with Demi →

Baby Middle Names for Demi

Picked for a different ending sound and rhythm than Demi, so the two names flow well said together as a pair.

The “Name Game” for “Demi”

Baby names starting with DEM

Baby names ending with EMI