Last Name Dima

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dima

The meaning and origin of the last name Dima

The surname Dima is of Greek origins, derived from the Greek word "δημή" (dēmē), which means "city" or "people." It was often given to citizens born within the city limits of ancient Greek towns and cities. Over time, as Greeks migrated and settled in other regions, the surname Dima spread, becoming a part of various cultures. In some Slavic countries like Ukraine and Russia, Dima has also evolved into a given name, often short for Dimitar (Demetrios) or Dmitri (Dimitrios), which are Greek names derived from the god Hermes. The surname Dima is most prevalent in Greece, Cyprus, Ukraine, and Russia but can be found in other countries as well due to historical migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dima

The surname Dima has its roots primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine and Russia. It is one of the most common surnames in these regions, with a significant concentration in the northern and western parts of Ukraine. In Russia, it is particularly prevalent in the northwestern republics such as Karelia and Komi Republic. The name also appears in Belarus, Moldova, and other Eastern European countries with historical ties to Russia or Ukraine. Smaller populations of Dima can be found in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, predominantly among the diaspora from Ukraine and Russia. Its distribution reflects the historical migrations and settlement patterns of people bearing this surname over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dima

The surname Dima has several variants and spellings across different regions and languages. One common variation is Dimas, which is found predominantly in Spain. In Greek, it can be spelled as Dymas or Dimos, with the latter being more common. Another variant is Dema or DeMa, which are less frequent but can be found among diaspora communities. Additionally, there's a Russian form of the name, Dyma, and its variants such as Dymah, Dyomy, and Dymov. These variations are often due to regional dialects, spelling differences, or transliteration from other languages. It is essential to note that the spelling of names can change over time and across regions, reflecting cultural, linguistic, and historical shifts.

Famous people with the last name Dima

Notable individuals bearing the surname Dima include Dimitar Berbatov, a Bulgarian professional footballer who played as a striker and is known for his time at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Fulham. Another well-known figure is Dmitri Medvedev, a Russian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Russia from 2012 to 2020 and previously as President of Russia from 2008 to 2012. In the world of entertainment, Demi Moore, an American actress, is also known by the name Dima. She gained fame in the 1980s after starring in films like "Ghost" and "St. Elmo's Fire." Additionally, Dima Bilan is a Russian singer, songwriter, and television personality who represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, winning in 2008 with the song "Believe."

Genealogical research on the last name Dima

The surname Dima originates from the Eastern European region, primarily Ukraine and Russia. It is derived from the Slavic given name Dimko or Dimka, which means "beloved by the people" or "little man." The Dima family lineage can be traced back to the medieval period in these regions, where the name was often associated with peasants, craftsmen, and merchants. Notable bearers of this surname include Ukrainian writer and poet Lesya Ukrainka (whose birth name was Lyneva but later took the pen name Dima), and Russian musician and actor Dima Bilan. The Dima family tree has branched out extensively due to migrations and assimilation, with significant populations now found in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia. Genealogical research on this surname may require a combination of traditional record-keeping sources, such as church records and census data, along with more modern tools like DNA testing to fully trace its lineage and migration patterns.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dima"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025