Find out how popular the first name Dezmond has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dezmond by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Dezmond is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 88 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dezmond.

The history of the first name Dezmond

The name Dezmond is derived from the Old French name Desmond, which itself originated from the Old Gaelic name Deasmhumhain, meaning "South Munster". This name was first used in Ireland during the Middle Ages to refer to the region of South Munster, which was ruled by the Deasmhumhain clan.

The name Dezmond is a variant spelling that emerged in the 17th century, likely influenced by the French spelling of the name, Desmond. It was popularized in English-speaking countries during this time period, as many Irish names were anglicized or adapted to fit English pronunciation and spelling conventions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dezmond can be found in the 14th-century Irish annals, which mention several members of the Deasmhumhain clan, including the powerful Irish king Dezmond MacCarthy Reagh, who ruled over South Munster in the late 1300s.

In the 16th century, the name gained prominence due to the Earl of Desmond, a title held by the FitzGerald dynasty, which ruled over the territory of Desmond in Ireland. The most famous Earl of Desmond was Gerald FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Desmond (1533-1583), who led a rebellion against English rule in Ireland known as the Desmond Rebellions.

Another notable figure in history with the name Dezmond was Dezmond Doss (1919-2006), an American World War II combat medic who became the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa.

Other historical figures with the name Dezmond include Dezmond Tutu (1931-2021), a South African Anglican bishop and anti-apartheid activist who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, and Dezmond Wilkinson (1898-1976), a British actor and film director known for his work in the 1940s and 1950s.

Overall, the name Dezmond has a rich history rooted in Irish and Gaelic traditions, with various spellings and adaptations emerging over the centuries as it spread to other parts of the world.

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

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

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