Desmond first name popularity, history and meaning

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

Meaning of Desmond

A masculine name of French origin meaning "from Desmonde".

Popularity of Desmond by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Desmond is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Desmond being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 789 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Desmond.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 789 0
2022 901 0
2021 920 0
2020 860 0
2019 863 0
2018 1,029 0
2017 1,046 0
2016 894 0
2015 961 0
2014 1,035 0
2013 984 5
2012 924 0
2011 843 0
2010 878 0
2009 788 0
2008 720 0
2007 676 5
2006 583 0
2005 530 0
2004 543 0
2003 556 6
2002 584 5
2001 636 0
2000 699 5
1999 742 10
1998 741 8
1997 885 16
1996 626 12
1995 667 9
1994 670 11
1993 752 12
1992 1,067 11
1991 835 11
1990 870 6
1989 759 11
1988 692 9
1987 594 8
1986 676 11
1985 677 5
1984 377 0
1983 356 7
1982 356 6
1981 387 0
1980 528 11
1979 443 10
1978 528 10
1977 370 8
1976 257 0
1975 240 5
1974 313 0

The history of the first name Desmond

The name Desmond originated from the Old French "Desmund" or "Desiree", which means "one who is protected" or "desired". It is derived from the Germanic elements "des" meaning "people" and "mund" meaning "protection". The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages across Europe.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Desmond can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landholdings and resources in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appears as "Desemundus" in this historic document, referring to a landowner in the county of Berkshire.

In the 12th century, the Desmond family became one of the most powerful and influential Norman noble houses in Ireland. The Desmonds were the Lords of Desmond, a territory spanning parts of modern-day counties Cork and Kerry. The family played a significant role in Irish history, often clashing with English authorities during the Tudor conquest of Ireland.

One notable bearer of the name was Desmond Tutu, a South African Anglican bishop and theologian who was born in 1931 and passed away in 2021. He was a renowned anti-apartheid activist and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his efforts in promoting racial equality and human rights.

Another famous Desmond was Desmond Morris, a British zoologist, ethologist, and popular author who was born in 1928 and passed away in 2022. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on human behavior and body language, including the book "The Naked Ape" published in 1967.

Desmond Doss, an American World War II hero, was born in 1919 and passed away in 2006. He was a combat medic in the United States Army and became the first conscientious objector to receive the prestigious Medal of Honor for his bravery and selfless actions during the Battle of Okinawa.

Desmond Llewelyn, a Welsh actor, was born in 1914 and passed away in 1999. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Q, the quartermaster in the James Bond film series, appearing in 17 Bond films between 1963 and 1999.

Desmond Dekker, a Jamaican ska and reggae singer and songwriter, was born in 1941 and passed away in 2006. He is considered one of the pioneers of the reggae genre and is best known for his hit songs like "Israelites" and "007 (Shanty Town)".

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 Desmond was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Desmond first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on December 21, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/desmond-meaning-and-history/.

"Desmond first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/desmond-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 21 December, 2024

Desmond first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/desmond-meaning-and-history/.

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