"proud descendant, descendant of the proud one"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
Dempsey
Pronunciation: [ d-EHMPS-ee ]
Does Dempsey flow with your last name?
A bold Irish surname name with fierce, spirited energy
Irish
American
English
Bold
Strong
Modern
Unique
Playful
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Dempsey
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"of proud heritage"
Origin: Irish
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with boxer Jack Dempsey — positive for boxing fans, potentially intense for others
The Story of Dempsey
Dempsey is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Díomasaigh, meaning 'descendant of the proud one' — from 'díomasach' (proud, haughty). It was originally a family name from County Laois in Ireland. As a given name, it's been embraced for both boys and girls in America, following the trend of Irish surnames becoming fashionable first names.
Dempsey gained cultural currency through Dr. Meredith Grey's love interest Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd played by Patrick Dempsey in Grey's Anatomy, which ran from 2005-2015 and made Dempsey a household name. As a girl's name, it fits the Irish surname-as-first-name trend alongside Riley, Quinn, and Sloane.
Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), the 'Manassa Mauler,' was one of the most famous boxers of the 20th century and world heavyweight champion from 1919-1926. His legendary toughness made Dempsey synonymous with fierce determination. The name also connects to Irish-American heritage and identity.
Historical Record
Dempsey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1993.
Over 482 babies have been named Dempsey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dempsey is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,708 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Irish root 'díomasach' means proud or haughty — Dempsey literally means 'descendant of the proud one'
- Jack Dempsey's 1921 fight against Georges Carpentier was the first million-dollar gate in boxing history
- Patrick Dempsey, who played 'McDreamy' on Grey's Anatomy, is actually a racing car driver in real life
Dempsey in Other Languages
Irish
Ó Díomasaigh
Gaelic
Díomasach
English
Dempsey
Popularity Over Time
#4,708
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dempsey
P
Patrick Dempsey
Actor
1966
American actor famous for playing Dr. Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy
J
Jack Dempsey
Athlete
1895
American boxing legend, world heavyweight champion 1919-1926, known as the 'Manassa Mauler'
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,708
- Total SSA Count
- 29
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Demp
Dem
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dempsey
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Dempsey is also used as a boy name, ranked #2845.
View Dempsey as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dempsey
What does the name Dempsey mean?
"proud descendant, descendant of the proud one" (from Irish Gaelic). "of proud heritage" (from Irish). Dempsey is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Díomasaigh, meaning 'descendant of the proud one' — from 'díomasach' (proud, haughty). It was originally a family name from County Laois in Ireland. As a given name, it's been embraced for both boys and girls in America, following the trend of Irish surnames becoming fashionable first names.
What is the origin of the name Dempsey?
Dempsey has Irish Gaelic, Irish, American, and English origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "proud descendant, descendant of the proud one". In Irish, it means "of proud heritage".
Is Dempsey a boy or girl name?
Dempsey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4708. As a boy name, it is ranked #2845. Dempsey is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dempsey?
Dempsey is pronounced d-EHMPS-ee.
How popular is the name Dempsey?
Dempsey is currently ranked #4708 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dempsey?
Common nicknames for Dempsey include Demp and Dem.
What are good middle names for Dempsey?
Popular middle name pairings include Dempsey Rose, Dempsey Jane, Dempsey Grace, Dempsey Mae, Dempsey Claire, and Dempsey Kate.
What are good sibling names for Dempsey?
Names that pair well with Dempsey as siblings include Rourke, Quinlan, Sloane, Finnegan, Hadley, and Callahan.
How many syllables does Dempsey have?
Dempsey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dempsey a common or rare name?
Dempsey is an uncommon name, ranked #4708 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Dempsey
Dempsey is a girl name with Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "proud descendant, descendant of the proud one" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Dempsey a boy or girl name? Dempsey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,708 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,845. Dempsey is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dempsey is currently ranked #4,708 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dempsey has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHMPS-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dempsey include Demp and Dem. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis