Δάμαρις
Dámaris
G1152 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Damaris (proper noun): A personal name referring to a woman named Damaris, specifically mentioned as an Athenian in Acts 17:34. The meaning of the name is uncertain and may possibly be related to 'gentle' or 'tame,' but this is not linguistically confirmed. Functions solely as a personal name in the New Testament and does not exhibit semantic variation.
Semantic Range
personal name (Damaris), possibly 'gentle' or 'tame' by conjecture
Root / Etymology
Name possibly derived from the Greek verb δαμάζω (to tame, to subdue), or perhaps from a popular formation associated with names such as Damarete. The precise etymology remains uncertain and may alternatively reflect a non-Greek origin or adaptation. Some ancient sources suggest possible links to 'heifer' or a genitive construction, but there is insufficient evidence for a definitive derivation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Δάμαρις appears only once in the New Testament (Acts 17:34), identifying an Athenian woman who became a follower of Paul. The name was attested in Greek inscriptions from Hellenistic and Roman periods, primarily in Macedonia and surrounding regions; its occurrence in Athens is less common but plausible. The meaning of the name is debated: while a traditional etymology links it to δαμάζω ('to tame' or 'gentle'), this is not certain, and it may reflect naming fashions or regional influences outside Athens proper. English translations treat 'Damaris' as a direct transliteration and proper name, not attempting to render any meaning. There is no evidence in ancient Greek sources that the name denoted a particular social class, ethnic, or religious identity; its usage in Acts is strictly personal. For contextual comparison, personal names like Damarete (Δαμαρέτη) are somewhat more common in Sicily and Magna Graecia.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the base of δαμάζω; perhaps gentle; Damaris, an Athenian woman:--Damaris.
Root Family
δαμ- (damázō) — to subdue, to tame, to bring under control
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1152-01 |
Δάμαρις | damaris | N NOM F SG |
Damaris | Damaris | Damaris | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1152-01 |
Acts 17:34 | Δάμαρις | damaris | N NOM F SG |
Damaris | Damaris | Damaris |