This choice has impeccably Irish credentials, but circa 2008, reminds many of us of a Nobel Peace prize winner from the opposite hemisphere.
Thanks to Holey for suggesting today’s Name of the Day: Desmond.
Desmond isn’t just Irish in origin, it means “from south Munster” in Ireland. In Gaelic, the original phrase is something like Deas-Mhumhan or Ó Deasmhumhnaigh, depending on your source. Munster, in turn, most likely received its name from an ancient Celtic goddess known as Muma or Mumhan. Until the 1600s, there was even a County Desmond. (It’s since been split between Counties Cork and Kerry.)
Like many a moniker, this one started out as a surname for families from the area, but has been in use as a given name throughout the 20th century in the English-speaking world.
1968’s reggae-influenced Beatles’ hit “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” certainly establishes Desmond’s use. While not as well known as “Hey Jude” or “Dear Prudence,” many of us recall the story of Desmond and Molly Jones, who meet in the marketplace, build a home sweet home, have a couple of kids and live happy ever after.
The song certainly helped Desmond’s popuarlity in the US. He’d occasionally cracked the Top 1000 from 1904 on and charted every year after 1958. But by 1972, he’d become a Top 500 choice, and by 1992 had reached #265.
A second musical influence might be Desmond Dekker, one of the first Jamaican recording artists to gain attention outside of his native country. While he’d be eclipsed by Bob Marley, he remained influential throughout his career. Some speculate that the Beatles chose the name Desmond in his honor.
It’s not all about the music, of course. Ryan, Sean and a few other kelly green appellations were gaining favor from the 1960s onward.
For some parents, Desmond became a hero name inspired by The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, the retired Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, who took a leadership role in ending apartheid. In 1984, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work, and after retiring from the church, continues a life of service as a respected activist for social justice issues today. It also brought Desmond into use for African American parents.
Between the musical influences, the growing preference for Irish names and the South African leader, it’s no wonder that Desmond peaked in the 90s.
Today, Desmond has been slowly moving in the opposite direction. In 2007, he ranked #427. But we don’t think he’s headed for obscurity.
Two factors keep this choice current. First, there’s that zippy z sound with the nickname Des or Dez. Second, Desmond Hume appears as a character on the smash ABC hit Lost.
If Desmond has one drawback, it’s that -mond ending, shared by clunky choices like Edmund and Sigmund and not-quite-ready-for-revival Raymond. But we think that the sparky Des can overcome that hurdle.
With plenty of story to tell, we find this 20th century choice has far more depth than many names of recent discovery. Whether you’re Irish, a Beatles fan or eager to choose a name with a notable bearer, Desmond can meet your criteria.
Ahh it does my heart a world of good to hear such words.
Our son will be born in around 1 month and we plan to name him Desmond, after Desmond Dekker, like Fink did. Two other famous Desmonds are South African cleric and activist Desmond Tutu and Desmond Hume, a fictional character on the ABC television series Lost. I liked the name from the beginning, but still spent hours and hours on baby name websites, but always returned back to Desmond.
Ahh Desmond I’ve always harboured a sneaking adoration of Desmond. Although I can’t put my finger on why, perhaps it’s his clunky old fashioned sound because Lord knows I’m a real sucker for that! Isn’t he lovely though? (sigh) 🙂
Norma Desmond – that’s a nice addition to the list! Thanks, Holey.
Fink, how nice to hear that Desmond is wearing well on a real boy. Interesting how our children find their own names, isn’t it? I knew a Zachariah called Z with a similar story – it just *was* his name.
My ex-wife and I named our son Desmond primarily after Desmond Dekker, but also because it’s a strong name that isn’t goofy. He is now 5 and I couldn’t imagine his name being anything else. However the original plan was to call him Dez, but he’s been called “D” for his whole life and it’s really stuck. Desmond is extremely rare where we live, in fact I had never met one in person until the odd chance I met one of his preschool friends fathers who was named, yeah, Desmond.
You really unearthed a lot of interesting information! I’d like to add one more Desmond to the list: Norma Desmond, the former film star in Sunset Boulevard.
That reminds me – Jaime Presley has a Dezi James – named after Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y De Acha III himself. (Nice find, Lola – what a name!) Apparently, Jaime’s fiance is Cuban, so they felt it was doubly appropriate.
Hmmm … all this talk of -mond/-mund as current makes me think I need to reconsider … let’s make Raymond NotD on October 14.
Now, as for Sigmund and the Sea Monsters? That’s something I haven’t thought about in ages! I’m putting it in my Netflix queue.
DH, Desi Arnaz was born ‘Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y De Acha III’ According to IMDb.com. I knew Desiderio, but had to look up the whole name. Does anyone know how common thirds are in Cuban families? How cool that you know a little Ray! Ray is awesome!
I like Desmond too. There’s something solid about this name (I guess the “mond” part) yet fun and lively too (the “dez” sound perhaps). I’d be more inclined to use Desi or Dezi as a nickname . . . which makes me wonder if the Cuban Desi Arnez’ name has any connection to this. Would be interesting to see how a Cuban ended up with this Irish name.
I also agree with Lola that Edmund is starting to crop up more and more and I’m proud to say that my 13 months old son has a playmate named Raymond, not named for a grandparent or anything, just because the parents liked it. Baby Ray is a pretty darn cute nursery name, no?
I like Desmond! Not enough to use hm myself but I still thoroughly like him. But then, Jack Nicholson has a Raymond (& a Lorraine!), I know several people online with Edmund on their lists for a potential boy (thanks to Narnia, perhaps?) and while Sigmnd’s not my cup of tuna (I still recall “Sigmund & the Sea Monsters” from my Sid & Marty Kroft-filled childhood), none of them seem that outrageous of a choice to me. Of course, my top pick is still Cosmo, for my Great Grandad, so that previous opinion should be taken with at least a smidgen of salt!
Back to Desmond. He’s zippy, rather snappy and sleek. Des/Dez is cool, and makes Desmond as a whole rather an intriguing choice. I don’t think I’d complain much after meeting one. I actually think I’d say somethig along the lines of “Desmond? How lovely!” A definite stand out of a name! 😀