Rising since 2004, #376 for boys today.
Popularity of Desmond since 1904
Babies named Desmond per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1992, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Desmond's real moment was 2018.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 14 |
| 1910s | 164 |
| 1920s | 380 |
| 1930s | 238 |
| 1940s | 247 |
| 1950s | 492 |
| 1960s | 1,180 |
| 1970s | 3,066 |
| 1980s | 5,400 |
| 1990s | 7,858 |
| 2000s | 6,316 |
| 2010s | 9,460 |
| 2020s | 5,216 |
Meaning & origin
Desmond has been in steady use in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1904. After a period of relative obscurity, the name began climbing again in the 2000s and has been rising since 2004. Its peak year was 2018, when it reached its highest rank of 376. Currently, about 1 in 2,036 boys receives the name, reflecting its solid but not overwhelming presence. Geographically, Desmond shows particular favor in Vermont, Wyoming, and Alaska, suggesting a broad appeal across diverse regions. The name's Irish heritage gives it a distinct cultural weight, while its friendly sound and accessible nickname 'Des' keep it approachable. As a Gaelic-derived name that has been fully integrated into English-speaking naming pools, Desmond strikes a balance between tradition and modernity.
Desmond is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Deasmhumhnaigh, meaning 'descendant of the man from south Munster.' The name refers to the historic Kingdom of Desmond in southwestern Ireland, from Irish deas (south) and Mumhan (Munster). It was used as a given name from the 19th century, particularly among Irish families and later in English-speaking countries.
Where Desmond is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Desmond” around the world
Where Desmond lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Des, Dez, Desi
Sibling names for Desmond
Names that share Desmond's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Desmond
Names whose popularity has moved with Desmond's over the last 50 years.
