The Hoarder's List of Names
- Daimon
Description:
Daimon is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Damon, which derives from Greek origins meaning "to tame" or "to subdue." In Greek mythology, Damon was known for his legendary friendship with Pythias, symbolizing loyalty and self-sacrifice. The variant spelling with 'i' gives the name a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining the original pronunciation. This spelling might also connect to the concept of "daimon" in ancient Greek philosophy, referring to a guiding spirit or divine inspiration. While less common than Damon, Daimon emerged in usage during the late 20th century when alternative spellings became more popular. The name conveys strength and classical heritage while offering a subtle uniqueness. Parents might choose this spelling to honor Greek traditions while giving their son a slightly more distinctive version of the traditional name.
- Damaris
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"dominant woman"Description:
In the New Testament, Damaris was an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul. Known for her charitable work, her name was a favorite among the Puritans. Having slid off the bottom of the Top 1000 in 2012, Damaris might be deserving of more attention by parents in search of a New Testament name that is unusual but accessible, especially since girls' names ending in 's' are coming back into fashion.
- Damaris
Description:
Damaris is traditionally a feminine name of Greek origin appearing in the New Testament as a woman who converted to Christianity after hearing St. Paul speak in Athens. Despite being listed as masculine in this case, it is historically used for girls. The name means 'gentle' or 'heifer' (young cow). Damaris has never been extremely common but has maintained a steady presence across centuries, particularly in Christian communities. It has a soft, melodious sound while remaining distinctive. The name experienced a slight increase in usage in the late 20th century as parents sought biblical names that weren't overused. Damaris combines religious significance with a gentle meaning and elegant sound, appealing to those looking for a name with spiritual heritage.
- Damia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"spirit"Description:
Greek nature goddess name that has a pleasing femininity. Damia is one of the more unusual goddess names newly fashionable for contemporary baby girls.
- Damian
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"to tame, subdue"Description:
Damian has sidestepped its demonic horror movie overtones, leaving a basically friendly and charming Irish image. A well-used upper-class name in England, it is growing in popularity here.
- Damiane
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"to tame"Description:
A name with an ancient pedigree which might prove confusing to the modern ear.
- Damien
Origin:
French from GreekMeaning:
"to tame, subdue"Description:
Converting Damian to Damien – or Julian to Julien or Lucian to Lucien – adds a certain je ne sais quoi to names. But most people in English speaking areas will still pronounce this the same as the -an ending form. The French pronunciation is more like "dah-mee-u(n)".
- Danaë
Origin:
GreekDescription:
A Greek goddess of music and poetry, Danaë has a novel yet familiar sound.
- Daniel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
Daniel is one of only a handful of male names that sounds both classic and modern, strong yet approachable, and popular but not cliched. It also has a solid Old Testament pedigree. The only real downside: There are about 10,000 Daniels named each year, making it a less than distinctive choice.
- Dante
Origin:
Latin diminutive of DurantMeaning:
"enduring"Description:
Though closely associated with the great medieval Florentine poet Dante Alighieri -- who's so famous most people skip the last name -- it's not as much of a one-man name as you might think. Heck, it's not even a one-poet name, thanks to British pre-Rapahaelite Dante Gabriel Rosetti. Though especially well used in the Italian-American community, it would make a striking name for any little boy.
- Danton
Origin:
French variation of DanteDescription:
Has the two-syllable sound so popular for boys, though adding an apostrophe -- and turning it into D'Anton -- changes the name entirely.
- Darian
Origin:
Variation of DariusMeaning:
"wealth, kingly"Description:
The most popular spelling in a family of names including Darien and Darion, Darian has nonetheless been on the decline since it peaked in the 1990s.
- Darren
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little great one"Description:
Darren and wife Sharon shop for fifties memorabilia on eBay. The Connecticut place-name Darien might offer an update.
- Daven
Description:
Daven is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Damhan (pronounced DAV-awn), meaning 'little stag,' or possibly a variant of Davin, a diminutive of David. In Hebrew, where David originates, the meaning is 'beloved.' The name has also gained some usage as a modern invented name, appreciated for its contemporary sound while maintaining a traditional feel. Daven has risen in popularity since the 1970s but remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinction without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a strong yet accessible quality, with its two-syllable structure and familiar sounds making it easy to pronounce across cultures. Parents might choose Daven for its subtle connection to traditional names while still offering a fresh alternative to more common choices like David or Devin.
- Davia
Description:
Davia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. Most commonly, it's considered a feminine form of David, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved.' Alternatively, it may derive from the Latin 'Davus' or represent a variant of Davina. In some Slavic regions, particularly Croatia, Davia appears as a regional feminine name. The name carries a gentle, melodic quality with its flowing vowels while maintaining a simple, accessible pronunciation. Though never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Davia has maintained steady if minimal usage, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Its biblical connections provide traditional appeal, while its relative rarity offers distinctiveness.
- Davian
Origin:
Modern invented nameMeaning:
"beloved + God is gracious; beloved + to tame"Description:
David plus Damian (or David plus Ian or David plus Darrian) equals this hybrid name. It has been in and out of the US Top 1000 since 2004, though both this spelling and alternative Davion were out of favor in 2023. Davian Clarke is a Jamaican Olympic athlete.
- Davina
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"little deer"Description:
A Scottish favorite that could make it here thanks to its similarity to the word divine. It's the most popular of several feminizations of David used in Scotland, including Davida, Davinia and Davidina, which have less of a chance in the U.S. It reentered the US Top 1000 for the first time in two decades in 2016.
- Daxon
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
May tagalong after fast-rising cousin Jaxon.
- Dayton
Origin:
English variation of DeightonMeaning:
"place with a dike"Description:
A city name that sounds more legit than most because of its similarity to Peyton and other such names in circulation.
- Dean
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"church official"Description:
Dean may sound to some like a retro surfer boy name, but it is once again climbing up the popularity chart in the USA. For decades it was associated with Dean (born Dino) Martin; more recent representatives include Dean Cain, Dean McDermott and Dean Koontz -- not to mention Jared Padalecki's dreamy Dean Forester in Gilmore Girls.