"longed for; wished for"
Origin: Latin (desideratus)
Language: French/English
Desire
Pronunciation: [ d-ihz-EYE-er ]
Does Desire flow with your last name?
A name meaning 'deeply longed for' — what every wanted child is
French
American
African-American
Haitian
Romantic
Vintage
Bold
Elegant
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"the desired one"
Origin: French
Language: French
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Things to Know About This Name
- The English word 'desire' carries strong romantic/sexual connotations that may invite comments
The Story of Desire
Desire is the Anglicized form of the French name Désirée, from the Latin 'desideratus' meaning 'desired, longed for.' It carries the beautiful sentiment that the bearer was deeply wished for — a child who was eagerly awaited. The Latin root 'desiderare' (to long for, to miss) also gives us the English words 'desire' and 'desiderate.'
Désirée was fashionable in France in the 19th century, partly through historical association with Désirée Clary, who was engaged to Napoleon Bonaparte before becoming Queen of Sweden. In the US, the English spelling 'Desiree' peaked in the 1970s-1980s, particularly in African-American and Haitian-American communities.
Désirée Clary (1777–1860) became Queen of Sweden and Norway as wife of King Charles XIV John, making her one of history's most remarkable women — a French merchant's daughter who became a Scandinavian queen. Her story has been told in novels and films.
Historical Record
Desire first appeared in US Social Security records in 1955.
Over 5,253 babies have been named Desire in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Desire is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,197 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Désirée Clary went from a French merchant's daughter to Queen of Sweden — one of history's greatest social ascents
- The 1954 film 'Désirée' starred Marlon Brando as Napoleon and Jean Simmons as Désirée Clary
- The word 'desire' comes from the Latin 'de sidere' — some scholars connect it to 'stars' (sidus), giving it an astronomical romantic quality
Desire in Other Languages
French
Désirée
German
Désirée
Italian
Desirata
Spanish
Desireé
Swedish
Désirée
Popularity Over Time
#2,197
Current Rank
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Desire
D
Desiree Rogers
Business
1959
American businesswoman and former White House Social Secretary under President Barack Obama
D
Désirée Clary
Royalty
1777
French woman who was Napoleon's first fiancée; later became Queen of Sweden and Norway as wife of King Charles XIV John
D
Désirée (Sondheim musical character) Fictional
Other
The alluring actress and former lover of Fredrik in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, whose song 'Send in the Clo...
The alluring actress and former lover of Fredrik in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, whose song 'Send in the Clowns' she performs
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Compare Desire with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,197
- Total SSA Count
- 86
- Cultural Origins
- French American African-American Haitian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Des
Desi
Dez
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, French heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Desire
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Desire is also used as a boy name, ranked #6919.
View Desire as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (French)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Desire
What does the name Desire mean?
"longed for; wished for" (from Latin (desideratus)). "the desired one" (from French). Desire is the Anglicized form of the French name Désirée, from the Latin 'desideratus' meaning 'desired, longed for.' It carries the beautiful sentiment that the bearer was deeply wished for — a child who was eagerly awaited. The Latin root 'desiderare' (to long for, to miss) also gives us the English words 'desire' and 'desiderate.'
What is the origin of the name Desire?
Desire has Latin (desideratus), French, American, African-American, and Haitian origins. In Latin (desideratus), it means "longed for; wished for". In French, it means "the desired one".
Is Desire a boy or girl name?
Desire is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2197. As a boy name, it is ranked #6919. Desire is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Desire?
Desire is pronounced d-ihz-EYE-er.
How popular is the name Desire?
Desire is currently ranked #2197 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Desire?
Common nicknames for Desire include Des, Desi, and Dez.
What are good middle names for Desire?
Popular middle name pairings include Desire Marie, Desire Monique, Desire Noelle, Desire Renée, Desire Celeste, Desire Joy, and Desire Simone.
What are good sibling names for Desire?
Names that pair well with Desire as siblings include Chantal, Nadine, Thierry, Pascal, Nadège, Fabienne, and Aurore.
How many syllables does Desire have?
Desire has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Desire a common or rare name?
Desire is an uncommon name, ranked #2197 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Desire?
About the Name Desire
Desire is a girl name with French, American, African-American, and Haitian origins . The name means "longed for; wished for" in Latin (desideratus) .
Is Desire a boy or girl name? Desire is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,197 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #6,919. Desire is more commonly used as a girl name.
Desire is currently ranked #2,197 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Desire has 3 syllables and is pronounced d-ihz-EYE-er, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Desire include Des, Desi, and Dez. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Desire include Desiree, Desirae, Desi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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