How to say it
DEM · i
ˈdɛm.i
Feminine
Demi
Half; or short for Demetria
What it means
From the French demi, 'half,' but more often a short form of Demetria, the feminine of Demetrius (from the goddess Demeter).
Demi reads two ways: as the French demi, 'half,' and, more substantially, as a short form of Demetria, the feminine of Demetrius, which traces to Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest. Demi Moore (born Demetria) and singer Demi Lovato carry it. It is sleek and modern, said DEM-ee. Short on its own, it can stretch back to the full Demetria.
How to spell Demi
The standard spelling is Demi. Common variants include Demmi, Demie, Demetria, but Demi is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #339 in 2020, currently #381 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
A short for Demetria, from the goddess Demeter; also the French 'half.'
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Demi Moore American actress, born Demetria
- Demi Lovato American singer and actor
Spelling variants
- Demmi
- Demie
- Demetria
Names with the same feeling
See Demi from another angle
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Demi mean?
- From the French demi, 'half,' but more often a short form of Demetria, the feminine of Demetrius (from the goddess Demeter).
- What does Demi mean in Greek?
- In Greek, Demi means "Half; or short for Demetria." Demi reads two ways: as the French demi, 'half,' and, more substantially, as a short form of Demetria, the feminine of Demetrius, which traces to Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest. Demi Moore (born Demetria) and singer Demi Lovato carry it. It is sleek and modern, said DEM-ee. Short on its own, it can stretch back to the full Demetria.
- Is Demi short for Demetria?
- Yes. Demi is a short form of Demetria, and it carries the same meaning, "Half; or short for Demetria." These days many parents use Demi as a given name in its own right, not only as a nickname.
- How do you pronounce Demi?
- Demi is pronounced ˈdɛm.i. Say it as DEM-i, with the stress on the "dem" syllable.
- How do you spell Demi?
- The standard spelling is Demi. Common spelling variants include Demmi, Demie, Demetria.
- Is Demi a boy or girl name?
- Demi is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Demi?
- Demi ranked #381 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.