Find out how popular the first name Desi has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Desi by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Desi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 68% of people named Desi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 31 male babies and 31 female babies born with the name Desi.

The history of the first name Desi

The name Desi is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "desh," which means "country" or "region." This name is prevalent in various parts of the Indian subcontinent and has been in use for centuries.

The earliest known historical reference to the name Desi can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures and texts, where it was often used to refer to individuals from a specific region or homeland. In the epic poem "Mahabharata," one of the central characters, Desi, is described as a skilled warrior hailing from the Kuru kingdom.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Desi was Desi Pandit, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and poet who lived in the 12th century CE. His literary works, including the "Desinamavali" and "Desikavinirmitam," are considered significant contributions to Sanskrit literature.

In the 16th century, Desi Tukaram, a prominent Varkari saint and poet from Maharashtra, gained widespread recognition for his devotional poetry and spiritual teachings. His compositions, known as "Abhangas," have had a lasting impact on the Bhakti movement in India.

Another notable figure with the name Desi was Desi Bhupal Singh, a 17th-century ruler of the Bhupal state in central India. He was renowned for his military prowess and played a crucial role in the Mughal-Maratha conflicts of that era.

During the 19th century, Desi Krishan Khichri was a renowned Urdu poet and writer from Agra. His literary works, which included ghazals and nazms, were widely celebrated and continue to be studied by scholars of Urdu literature.

It is worth noting that while the name Desi has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, particularly among individuals with Indian heritage or those influenced by Indian culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Desi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Desi, please contact us.

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