Demi is a feminine given name used in English and Greek. In English, it is predominantly a short form of Demetria, the feminine form of Demetrius, which derives from the Greek Demetrios meaning "follower of Demeter" (Demeter being the goddess of agriculture). In Greek, it functions as an alternate transcription of several names: Δήμη, Ντίμι, or Ντίμη (see Dimi). These Greek forms are themselves short forms of Demetria or similar names. Etymology The name Demi traces back to the Greek goddess Demeter, whose name is of uncertain etymology but is often interpreted as "earth mother." Demetrius (and its feminine Demetria) was a common name in ancient Greece, particularly associated with the goddess's cult. Over time, short forms like Dimi and Demi emerged in various languages. The English use of Demi likely developed from the Italian or Spanish nickname for Demetria, with similar forms found across Romance languages. Notable Bearers The most famous bearer is American actress Demi Moore (born 1962), whose rise to stardom in the 1980s propelled the name into widespread use in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, Moore has stated that Demi was her birth name and not a nickname; she was named after a makeup product called Demi (meaning "half" in French), which was a common term in cosmetics at the time. Nonetheless, many assumed it was short for Demetria, which reinforced the name's connection to the classical root. A second major influence came from singer and actress Demi Lovato (born 1992), whose full birth name is Demetria. Lovato's fame after 2008 gave Demi a renewed popularity, though they pronounce the name with a longer "e" sound compared to Moore's short "e." Other bearers include Demi Adejuyigbe (writer and comedian), Demi Burnett (reality TV personality), and Demi Harman (Australian actress). The name also appears in Greek contexts, such as Dimi (Δήμη) used as an independent name. Cultural Significance In the United States, Demi entered the top 500 names for girls in the late 1980s after Moore's success, reaching its peak in 1998. It declined but saw another leap after Lovato's popularity. Notably, the name has two distinct pronunciations: /ˈdɛmi/ (Demy) as with Moore, and /ˈdiːmi/ (DEE-mee) as with Lovato and in Greek. As a short form, Demi belongs to a large family of names derived from Demetrius, including Dimitrina, Demetra, and Demetria in various languages. In contrast, the surname Demi has Albanian origins. Meaning: "follower of Demeter" or short for Demetria Origin: Greek (short form of Demetria); also English Type: Given name, often a nickname Usage regions: English-speaking world, Greece