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Desire
Pronounced deh-zee-RAY /dɛ.ziˈreɪ/Medium
Meaning: From the French Desire — from Latin desideratus, 'desired; longed for; wished for'; borne by a French saint; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Desire comes from the French Desire — from Latin desideratus, 'desired; longed for; wished for' (the masculine Desiderius was borne by a French saint; routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, devout name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; said the French way, 'deh-zee-RAY').
In the U.S. it appears in French and Haitian families. Rare, desired-and-longed-for at the root, and lyrical.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Desire mean?
Desire is French/Latin for 'desired; longed for; wished for'; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Desire?
It's said deh-zee-RAY /dɛ.ziˈreɪ/ — three syllables, stress on the third (the French way).
Is Desire a boy or girl name?
Desire is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.
How popular is Desire?
Desire is a rare name for boys in the U.S.