Find out how popular the first name Diarmuid has been for the last 5 years (from 2009 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Diarmuid by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Diarmuid is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Diarmuid.

The history of the first name Diarmuid

The name Diarmuid is an Irish masculine given name derived from the old Irish words "diar" meaning "free" or "without" and "muit" meaning "shame" or "blemish". The name is believed to have originated in the 5th or 6th century AD among the Gaelic peoples of Ireland.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Diarmuid comes from the Irish mythological text, the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology. In these tales, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne is a warrior of the Fianna and lover of the beautiful Gráinne. Their famous elopement is a central story in the cycle.

In the 6th century AD, Diarmuid mac Cerbaill was a High King of Ireland who ruled from 538 to 558 AD. He is known for codifying the Brehon Laws and promoting the spread of Christianity in Ireland during his reign.

Another notable Diarmuid from Irish history was Diarmuid MacMurrough (1110-1171), the King of Leinster. In 1167, he sought military aid from King Henry II of England, leading to the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169-1170.

The name also appears in Scottish history with Diarmuid the Galloway Man (fl. 1290s), a Scottish warrior who fought alongside William Wallace against the English during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

In more recent centuries, notable bearers of the name include Diarmuid Ó Muirithe (1924-2006), an Irish language scholar and broadcaster, and Diarmuid Connolly (born 1987), an Irish Gaelic footballer who played for the Dublin senior team.

Throughout its long history, the name Diarmuid has maintained a strong connection to Irish and Celtic culture, appearing in mythology, historical records, and continuing to be used by families today. Its origins reflect values of honor and freedom that were esteemed in ancient Irish society.

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

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

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