Desdemona

Greek

"ill-starred"

Desdemona Origin and Meaning

The name Desdemona is girl's name of Greek origin meaning "ill-starred".

Desdemona is as Shakespearean as a name can be, but because the beautiful and innocent wife of Othello came to such a tragic end, her name has been avoided for centuries. But at this point in time, there might be some adventurous parents willing to overlook that.

Jeffrey Eugenides used the name for a character in his novel Middlesex.

And for those seeking some celestial cred, Desdemona belongs to the Shakespearean Portia Group of satellites, which also includes Bianca, Cressida, Juliet, Portia, Rosalind, Cupid, Belinda and Perdita.

Desdemona Popularity

• 736 Nameberry 2023