Updated November 2023
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Literary name, possibly inspired by Turkish or Irish
"moon, light or desired"
This character name from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas has an ancient appeal, even though it seems to be a modern coinage. It may have been inspired by similar sounding names, like the…
German
"desired; or island, water"
An unusual and appealing name that is the origin of Evelyn, via the Norman French name Aveline. It derives from an obscure Germanic root, the meaning of which is not clear. Theories include "desired,…
Short form of Desiree, French
"desired"
Desi makes Desiree a lot cuter and more boyish.
Diminutive of Desiderio, Spanish
"desired one"
Forever Lucy's.
Short form of Desiderio, Spanish
A Desi variation that moves the name away from Lucy -- though it's just as dizzy. TV star Jaime Pressly used it for her son.
Spanish
Desiderio was the full name of the Cuban bandleader who famously Loved Lucy. There was also a Saint Desiderio. Major attraction: the great nickname Desi.
Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus
"beloved, desired"
A form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe, Rasmus is rugged and distinctive - and on trend in Estonia and Finland. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and…
English
"desired; or water, island"
Renowned English author Evelyn Waugh pronounced his name "EEV-lin" (fun fact: his first wife, also named Evelyn, was referred to as "She-velyn"). But "EV-uh-lin" also works, and is probably the most…
French
Desired and chosen by many, despite (or because of) its sensual image, Désiree could also be linked to wanting or wishing for something. more generally. As a spiritual name, it connotes a desire to…
Latin
"the desired one"
Desiderata is a feminine name from antiquity which, although fussy and long, has a lovely meaning for that longed-for daughter.
Judeo-Italian
A beautiful and rare girl name typically used by Jewish Italian families.
Slovene variation of Erasmus, Greek
Erasmus may be out of fashion in the English-speaking world, but in Slovenia, Erazem is a fashionable riser.
Greek
Erasmus has long retained the image of the bearded and bespectacled Dutch philosopher, but could be one that the audacious baby namer just might dare to dust off. The fourth century Saint Erasmus was…