Desmond Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Desmond is an Irish name meaning 'from southern Munster.' It evolved from the Gaelic 'Deas-Mhumhna' and has seen historical significance in Irish culture. The name is characterized by a strong connection to regional identity and has gained popularity in the 20th century. It has no biblical relevance but is well-regarded today, often seen as a blend of tradition and modernity, with notable figures contributing to its recognition.
The name Desmond is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Desmond has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Desmond' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1290th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1431st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 960th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 496th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 353rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 392nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 358th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10176th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8391st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 17542nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Desmond' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Desmond"
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛzmənd/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Desmond is derived from the Gaelic 'Deas-Mhumhna', which means 'south Munster'. Munster is one of the provinces of Ireland, and the name refers to the southern part of that region.
Meaning
from southern Munster
Language Evolution
Deas-Mhumhna, Desmond
Historical Usage
Desmond gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, influenced by its association with the Earl of Desmond in Irish history.
Variants & Derivatives
Des, Dez
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Desmond is perceived as a traditional yet modern name, often associated with strength and heritage.
Famous People
Desmond Tutu, Desmond Dekker
Explore More Desmond Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Desmond"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Desmond"
"Desmond" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1290th of 7545 | 502 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1431st of 6773 | 419 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 960th of 7552 | 1,141 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 496th of 10718 | 4,246 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 353rd of 16616 | 10,363 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 392nd of 24088 | 11,328 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 358th of 23106 | 11,187 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10176th of 19264 | 44 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8391st of 27321 | 129 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 17542nd of 35406 | 55 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Desmond" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
62.50% 885th/1416 |
68.09% 939th/1379 |
91.55% 2166th/2366 |
67.43% 770th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
44.86% 698th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
39.29% 875th/2227 |
27.53% 669th/2430 |
46.27% 1320th/2853 |
30.56% 848th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
17.67% 519th/2937 |
12.20% 425th/3483 |
12.68% 446th/3518 |
15.08% 610th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.72% 358th/3685 |
8.45% 378th/4475 |
4.97% 258th/5194 |
8.99% 568th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.82% 404th/4582 |
8.02% 414th/5164 |
4.72% 345th/7313 |
6.26% 467th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.63% 344th/3984 |
6.73% 302nd/4487 |
6.16% 420th/6822 |
5.08% 319th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Desmond" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
94.19% 4892nd/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Desmond"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Desmond" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.