Girl · Greek · New Testament

Damaris

DAM-uh-ris · means “Traditionally understood as "gentle" or possibly related to "heifer," a term of gentle endearment”

Damaris is a Greek name whose exact meaning is debated, though it is traditionally understood as "gentle" or "calf." She was an Athenian woman who believed Paul's message at the Areopagus in Acts 17, one of the few named converts from Paul's famous sermon in the heart of Greek philosophy.

“Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”

The story behind the name

Paul stood before the philosophers of Athens at the Areopagus and preached about the unknown God, quoting their own poets to reach them (Acts 17:22-31). Most of his hearers mocked or delayed, but a few joined him and believed.

Among that small group of believers, Luke names one woman: Damaris. In a city famous for its skepticism and its love of clever argument, she was willing to be counted among the converts, even though we are told almost nothing else about her.

Her brief appearance in Acts is a reminder that faith does not require a long biography to matter. A daughter named Damaris carries the name of a woman who heard truth in an unlikely place and had the courage to receive it.

Middle names that sing with Damaris

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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