Damion

Damion is a spelling variant of Damian, an English name derived from the Greek word “damān” which means “to tame, subdue.” As such, Damion also shares the same origin with the name Daman. The Greek mythological tale of Daman and Pythias took place 2,400 years ago in ancient Syracuse (modern-day Sicily) and symbolized the loyal bonds of friendship. According to the legend, Pythias was sentenced to death by the paranoid and vindictive despot, Dionysius the Elder, who believed him to be plotting against his tyrannical rule. Pythias accepted his fate and only asked for a brief pardon so that he may put his affairs in order. Dionysius refused, but eventually agreed to allow Damon, Pythias’ good friend, to replace Pythias in the condemned jail cell this risking his own head should Pythias not return as promised. After a dramatic delay that included a pirated ship and a long swim back, Pythias finally returned to Syracuse in the nick of time sparing Daman’s death. Dionysius was so impressed by the trust and friendship between the two men, both were set free. Damian was also the name of a popular 4th century saint; he was a physician who, along with his twin brother Cosmas, was martyred during a time of Christian persecution in the Roman Empire. And Saint Damien was the famous saint who cared for the lepers in Molokai, Hawaii when no one else showed them compassion. The name Damian probably reached the English by way of the French (Damien) in the Middle Ages. Damion was later created as a more modern spelling variant.