Meaning, origin, history
The name Desire is of French origin and it means "strong longing or craving." It comes from the French word "désir," which translates to "desire" in English. The name has been used historically as a given name, but it is more commonly used today as a middle name or as part of compound names like Desiree or Desiderata.
The use of Desire as a given name can be traced back to the 17th century France. It was often used among nobility and wealthy families as a way to express their deepest wishes for their children. Some famous figures with the name Desire include French novelist George Sand, whose real name was Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, and Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, who named her daughter Maria Christina Gabrielle "Desideria" Kahlo.
Despite its historical usage, Desire remains a rare given name today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only 14 babies named Desire between 2009 and 2018. However, it is still used as a middle name or as part of compound names, with some popular examples including Desirée (with an accent mark) and Desiree.
Overall, Desire is a unique and meaningful name with roots in French culture and history. Its meaning as a strong longing or craving makes it a powerful choice for parents looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Desire since 1880
Total births
106
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
14 births
in 2023
14
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+195%
↗
vs previous 5 years