Demetria is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "dēmētēr", which means "mother". The name was traditionally given to women who were believed to possess maternal qualities such as kindness, nurturing and wisdom.
The use of the name Demetria can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was often used among the aristocracy. In fact, there are historical records of several prominent women in Greek history who bore this name. One notable example is Demetria I of Bactria, a queen who ruled over the Bactrian Kingdom in Central Asia during the 2nd century BCE.
Over time, the name Demetria has spread beyond its original Greek boundaries and can now be found among various cultures around the world. Despite this, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names with similar meanings such as Sophia or Victoria.
In terms of popularity, Demetria peaked in the United States during the late 19th century but has since declined in usage. However, it continues to be used occasionally and is still considered a unique and elegant choice for a girl's name by some parents. Overall, Demetria remains a name rich in history and meaning that pays tribute to maternal qualities.
Statistics on the given name Demetria show varying popularity over several decades in the United States. From 1967 to 1993, there were a total of 141 babies named Demetria born each year.
The peak years for this name's usage were in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a high of 12 births in 1977. This popularity seems to have diminished over time, as indicated by only 5 births each in 1981 and 1993.
Notably, there were no recorded births with the name Demetria between 1986 and 1988 inclusive, suggesting that during this period, it was not a popular choice among parents.
Overall, while Demetria has had some popularity in the United States over the years, its usage appears to have been relatively niche compared to other names, with fewer than 20 births recorded in any given year since 1967.