Demetrius

Demetrius is a male given name of Greek origin. It derives from Demetrios, which ultimately comes from Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and is commonly interpreted as “devoted to Demeter” or “follower of Demeter.” The name has many variants across languages, including Dimitri, Demetrio, and Demetris, with Russian forms such as Dmitri and Dmitry.

Notable historical figures with the name include Demetrius Poliorcetes (c. 336–283 BCE), also known as Demetrius I of Macedon, a Hellenistic king famed for his siegecraft and role in the Diadochi; Demetrius II Nicator (c. 160–125 BCE), king of Macedon; and Demetrius of Phalerum (c. 360–270 BCE), an Athenian statesman and philosopher. In early Christian history, Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki (c. 3rd–4th century CE) is venerated as a martyr and patron saint of the city. The biblical Demetrius, a silversmith from Ephesus mentioned in Acts 19, is another early figure bearing the name.

In literature, Demetrius is a character in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, where he is one of Hermia’s and Helena’s suitors before his affections shift.

The name remains in use in modern times and across regions, with variants such as Dmitri, Dimitri, and Demetrio.