Dimas

The story behind Dimas

Dimas is derived from the Greek word "dyas" (δυάς), meaning "pair" or "two," with the suffix "-mas" forming a personal name. The name evolved through Late Greek and early Christian nomenclature, where compound Greek roots were commonly adapted into masculine given names. The etymology connects to concepts of duality and togetherness, though folk etymologies sometimes associate it with "dysmē" (δυσμή), meaning "sunset" or "the place where the sun sets," reflecting the poetic sensibilities of Greek naming traditions. The name traveled through Christian communities in the Mediterranean and eventually into Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking regions, where it became established as Dimas or Dismas.

Dimas is primarily known as the name traditionally assigned to the Penitent Thief (or "Good Thief") in Christian tradition—one of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus Christ. While the canonical Gospels do not name either thief, the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus and early Church tradition identified this repentant figure as Dismas (or Dimas), distinguishing him from the impenitent thief Gestas. This association gave the name considerable religious significance in Christian cultures, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, where Saint Dismas became venerated as a patron saint of thieves, prisoners, and the dying. The name's use in English-speaking countries increased modestly through the 20th century, with particular popularity in the 1960s.