deion

Deion is a masculine given name used primarily in the United States. It is commonly regarded as a modern variant of Dion, which itself derives from the Greek name Dionysios, meaning “follower of Dionysus.” The form Deion has been established as a distinct given name in American usage in the late 20th century and has been borne by several notable individuals in sports and public life.

Notable bearers include Deion Sanders, an American former professional football cornerback and Major League Baseball outfielder known for his speed and charismatic persona; Deion Branch, an American football wide receiver who played in the NFL for teams including the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks; and Deion Jones, an American football linebacker recognized for his college career at LSU and his professional play in the NFL.

The name is sometimes spelled Deion or Dion, with Dion more common in other contexts. Variants appear in other languages, though Deion remains predominantly used in English-speaking settings. In contemporary usage, Deion is chiefly associated with North American culture, particularly in the realm of professional and college sports.