All about the name

Desdemona

Female

« Desdemona is a rare Greek female name derived from "aisthesis," meaning perception or sensation. »

#26710 over 10 years

Meaning, origin, history

Desdemona is a rare and unique female given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "aisthesis," which means perception or sensation. The name Desdemona was first used in William Shakespeare's tragic play "Othello," where it belongs to one of the main characters, the wife of Othello. In the play, Desdemona is portrayed as a virtuous and loyal woman who loves her husband deeply. However, she becomes the victim of false accusations by Iago, Othello's jealous ensign, which ultimately leads to her tragic death. Despite this unfortunate fate, Desdemona remains one of Shakespeare's most memorable characters. While not particularly popular today, Desdemona has been used as a given name in some parts of the world. It is considered an unusual and distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter. The name Desdemona also has the advantage of being easily recognizable due to its connection with Shakespeare's play. In summary, Desdemona is a rare and unique female given name of Greek origin that means perception or sensation. It was first used in William Shakespeare's tragic play "Othello" as the name of one of the main characters. While not particularly popular today, Desdemona remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking for an unusual name for their daughter.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Desdemona since 1880

Total births
43
Total since 1880
Peak year
2017
8 births
in 2017
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
vs previous 5 years