Desiree is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of French origin. It means "desired" or "longed for," which is derived from the French word "desirer," meaning "to desire." This name has been popular among French nobility for centuries, but it gained widespread recognition in the English-speaking world thanks to French Empress Josephine Bonaparte (1763-1814), whose full name was Joséphine de Beauharnais.
The name Desiree is often associated with elegance and sophistication, reflecting its French roots. It has been used by several notable figures throughout history, including Desiree Clary, the former lover of Napoleon Bonaparte who eventually married his brother Jerome. The name also appears in literature, most notably as the protagonist in "The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux.
While Desiree is primarily considered a feminine given name, it can also be used as a surname. In some cases, families have passed down this surname through generations, creating a unique and distinctive lineage.
Today, Desiree remains a popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters. Its elegant sound and rich history make it an appealing option for those looking to honor the past while embracing the future.
The name Desirre has been used consistently but not frequently as a baby girl's name in the United States over the past few decades, with the highest number of births occurring in recent years.
From 1978 to 1995, there were a total of 111 babies named Desirre born each year. The most popular years for this name were 1982 and 1983, with seven births each year. However, the popularity of the name seemed to decrease over time, as the number of births dropped to five in both 1991 and 2001.
Despite its inconsistent usage, the name Desirre has remained a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon baby girl's name. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in future years or if the name gains more popularity among new parents.