Desmond: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: de-hsmo-hnd
Origin: Ireland
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Apr 14, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Europe
Meaning: From South Munster

Desmond is an Irish name for boys, meaning "from South Munster". The name originates from the Gaelic word "Deas Mhumhain," which translates to "south Munster". Initially, it emerged as a popular surname in Ireland, denoting someone from the South Munster region. The Irish peerages of Ormonde, Desmond, and Thomond represented the old sub-kingdoms of East, South, and North Munster, respectively. South Munster existed as an independent territory between 1118 and 1543. In addition to its Irish origins, Desmond has also been used as a given name and a surname in the English-speaking world. Some famous bearers of the name include Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and various other individuals from different fields such as entertainment, politics, and sports.

Desmond Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Desmond is currently #354 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Desmond is currently #354 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Desmond is currently #351 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-male Boy Unique: Desmond is currently #351 on Kiindred Boy Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Famous People Named Desmond

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Desmond, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Desmond Tutu: Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist known for his work in opposing apartheid and promoting peace and justice. He passed away in 2021.
  • Desmond Llewelyn: Desmond Llewelyn was a Welsh actor known for his role as Q in the James Bond film series. He passed away in 1999.

 

Wikipedia, NSW Births Deaths and Marriages, QLD Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, WA Registry of Births, SA Registry of Births, VIC Registry of Births, Social Security Administration

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