Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Demeter

      Origin 
      Greek

      Meaning 
      Barley-mother

      Variations 
      Demetra, Demetri, Demetria

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Demeter finds its roots in ancient Greece, originating from the Greek word dmtr, which translates to Barley-mother. In Greek mythology, Demeter was the goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility, hence the association with barley, a staple crop of ancient Greece. Renowned as the nurturer and provider of food, Demeter held immense significance in Greek society and was highly revered. Her name reflects this role as the Barley-mother, symbolizing not only the cultivation of crops but also the abundance and sustenance they provided.

      Throughout history, the name Demeter has retained its ancient majesty and mythical connotations. In classical literature and artistic representations, Demeter stands as a prominent figure, often depicted with a crown of wheat or barley. Moreover, her influence extended beyond Greece, as her worship spread to other parts of the ancient world. It is through these cultural interactions that the name Demeter transcended its origins and gained recognition in various civilizations.

      In modern times, the name Demeter has endured, although its usage is relatively rare. It is mostly seen as a feminine given name, particularly among individuals of Greek origin or those fascinated by Greek mythology. In this contemporary context, the name Demeter serves as a testament to the lasting impact of ancient Greek culture and its rich mythological heritage. It stands as a tangible reminder of the reverence for agriculture and the enduring role of motherhood in human civilization.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Demeter.
      Nagy

      is the most common surname for Demeter.

      Anna

      is the most common spouse name for Demeter.

      Demeter

      is the most common child name for Demeter.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1863 is when there were the most people born with the first name Demeter.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.