Desmond
Desmond is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
One from South Munster (Deasmhumhain).
Origin and history
Desmond is a traditional male name of Gaelic origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Deasmhumhnaigh, meaning someone from South Munster. It became popular throughout the English-speaking world in the 20th century. In the United States, Desmond has maintained a steady and moderate presence, frequently used by parents seeking a classic yet distinct name.
Popularity in the United States
40,031 babies in the United States have been named Desmond since 1880. It ranks #573 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #369.
States where it is most popular
- CA (10 %)
- TX (7.8 %)
- NY (7.3 %)
- GA (5.3 %)
- FL (4.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 14 |
| 1910-1920 | 164 |
| 1920-1930 | 380 |
| 1930-1940 | 238 |
| 1940-1950 | 247 |
| 1950-1960 | 492 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,180 |
| 1970-1980 | 3,066 |
| 1980-1990 | 5,400 |
| 1990-2000 | 7,858 |
| 2000-2010 | 6,316 |
| 2010-2019 | 9,460 |
| 2020-2029 | 5,216 |
Famous people named Desmond
- Desmond Tutu: Bishop, Activist
- Desmond Howard: Athlete, Sports Analyst
- Desmond Doss: Soldier, Medal of Honor Recipient
Nicknames
Des, Dez
Fun facts
- The name directly references Deasmhumhain, a historical kingdom in southwestern Ireland that translates to South Munster.
- Desmond has been used as a peerage title in Ireland since the 14th century, notably as the Earl of Desmond.