Dimitra is a Greek female given name derived from the Greek word "demeter", which means "earth mother". It refers to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, fertility and harvest in ancient Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, Demeter was one of the Twelve Olympians who resided on Mount Olympus. She was known for her nurturing aspect as she was the mother of Persephone, the goddess of springtime and flowers. According to legend, when Hades abducted Persephone to be his wife in the Underworld, Demeter searched desperately for her daughter until she finally found her with the help of Zeus, the king of gods.
The name Dimitra has a long history in Greece, dating back to ancient times when it was used as an epithet for the goddess Demeter. Over time, it evolved into a given name for females. Today, Dimitra is still widely used in Greece and among Greek communities around the world.
In some variations of the name, such as Despina or Despoina, it can also be found as a title of respect or honorific meaning "mistress" or "lady". These names are derived from the Greek word "despos", which means "master".
Overall, Dimitra is a strong and meaningful name with deep roots in ancient Greek culture and mythology. It carries connotations of fertility, nurturing, and motherhood, reflecting the important role that Demeter played as the goddess of agriculture and harvest.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Dimitra in the United States from 1923 to 2023. Over this period, there were a total of 877 babies named Dimitra born in the US.
The data reveals fluctuations in the popularity of the name Dimitra over time. The name saw its peak in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1975 (36 births) and 1976 (37 births). This trend continued into the early 1980s, with a significant number of babies named Dimitra born each year until 1984.
However, after the mid-1980s, there was a gradual decline in the popularity of the name Dimitra. The annual number of births dropped significantly, with fewer than 20 births per year occurring from 1985 onwards. This trend has continued into recent years, with only single-digit numbers of babies named Dimitra born annually since 2010.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Dimitra remains present in the US. In fact, there were still 7 babies named Dimitra born in 2022 and a further 13 births recorded in 2023, indicating that while it may not be as popular as it once was, the name continues to be chosen by some parents for their children.
Overall, these statistics provide insight into the changing trends of naming babies with the name Dimitra in the United States over nearly a century. They demonstrate how fashion and cultural influences can impact baby names over time, leading to shifts in popularity.