Dempsey
Dempsey is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Proud or haughty.
Origin and history
Dempsey originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Diomasaigh, meaning proud or haughty. Historically used primarily as a family name, it transitioned into a given name in English-speaking regions. In the United States, Dempsey remains a rare but distinctive masculine name with a strong vintage style.
Popularity in the United States
4,249 babies in the United States have been named Dempsey since 1880. It ranks #1917 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1609.
States where it is most popular
- NC (18.6 %)
- TX (11.3 %)
- CA (10.8 %)
- WV (9.8 %)
- AL (9.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 42 |
| 1890-1900 | 42 |
| 1900-1910 | 67 |
| 1910-1920 | 314 |
| 1920-1930 | 704 |
| 1930-1940 | 403 |
| 1940-1950 | 398 |
| 1950-1960 | 368 |
| 1960-1970 | 235 |
| 1970-1980 | 181 |
| 1980-1990 | 139 |
| 1990-2000 | 165 |
| 2000-2010 | 199 |
| 2010-2019 | 674 |
| 2020-2029 | 318 |
Famous people named Dempsey
- Dempsey Travis: Author, Activist
- Dempsey Bob: Sculptor, Artist
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Gaelic word 'diomasach,' which translates to proud or proud-spirited.
- While widely recognized due to famous sports figures like boxer Jack Dempsey, it has maintained steady, low-key usage as a given name.