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Desi as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Desi

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The baby name Desi is a Unisex name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced /ˈdɛsi/ (DEH-see); sometimes /ˈdeɪsi/ (DAY-see).

Desi is Urdu in Origin.

Gender: Unisex
Syllables: 2.0
Origin: Urdu
Pronunciation: /ˈdɛsi/ (DEH-see); sometimes /ˈdeɪsi/ (DAY-see)

What is the meaning of the name Desi ?

The baby name Desi is a Unisex name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced /ˈdɛsi/ (DEH-see); sometimes /ˈdeɪsi/ (DAY-see).

Desi is Urdu in Origin.

Desi is a short form with several roots. In Spanish and Italian, it's a familiar diminutive of Desiderio, from Latin Desiderius, ultimately desiderium “desire, longing,” yielding the meaning “desired” or “longed-for.” English use also treats Desi as a nickname for the French names Désiré and Désirée, and occasionally as a pet form of Desmond. In South Asian languages (Hindi/Punjabi/Urdu), desi means “of the homeland, native,” a separate etymology that sometimes adds cultural resonance to the name in diaspora communities.

As a given name in the United States, Desi gained visibility through Cuban-American entertainer Desi Arnaz in the 1950s, fostering male usage; later, the boom of Desiree in the 1970s–80s broadened it as a unisex choice. Variants and spellings include Dezi, Dezzi/Dezzy, Desy, and the related forms Des (nickname), Desiderio, Desiderius, Didier, Désiré, and Désirée.

Desi has the following similar or variant Names

Famous people with the name Desi

Desi Bouterse Politician · Born 1945 · Suriname Desi Bouterse is a prominent Surinamese politician, best known for serving as the President of Suriname from 2010 to 2020. His leadership has been marked by significant political influence in the country, and he has been a central figure in Suriname's political landscape for decades. Bouterse's tenure has been both influential and controversial, with a complex legacy in Surinamese history. Desi Arnaz Actor · Born 1917 · United States Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-American actor and musician best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the television show 'I Love Lucy'. He played a pivotal part in the show's success alongside his real-life wife, Lucille Ball. Arnaz was also a talented musician, leading the Desi Arnaz Orchestra and popularizing the conga line in America. Desi Slava Musician · Born 1979 · Bulgaria Desi Slava is a well-known Bulgarian musician, famous for her powerful voice and contributions to the pop-folk genre. She gained popularity with songs like 'Ne Me Obichash Veche' and 'Zavinagi', which have resonated with fans across Bulgaria and beyond.
Desi Arnaz, Jr. Actor|musician · Born 1953 · United States Desi Arnaz, Jr. is an American actor and musician, best known for his role as Craig Carter in the film 'Billy Two Hats'. He also played a significant part in the television series 'The Lucy Show' and was a member of the band Dino, Desi & Billy. Desi Lydic Actor · Born 1981 · United States Desi Lydic is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. She also starred in the MTV comedy series Awkward. Born in 1981, she has become a familiar face in comedy and television in the United States.

Celebrity babies named Desi

Name Last Name(s) Mother Mother famous for Fame Level Father Father famous for Fame Level
Desi Arnaz, Jr. Lucille Ball film director ★★★★★ Desi Arnaz television actor ★★★★★

Desi – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country Gender Year Rank Born of
ID 0 #34 6 2,238
MV Girls 0 #34 2 2,021
MO 0 #52 1 2,706
ID Girls 0 #55 44 3,319
BG 0 #56 25 1,799
BG Girls 0 #62 229 3,559
AL 0 #75 2 2,372
JP 0 #76 2 4,057
AO 0 #77 1 2,729
JM 0 #93 1 3,714
TW 0 #100 4 4,523
QA 0 #106 1 7,011
BN Girls 0 #107 8 5,459
PH 0 #110 1 5,607
CY Girls 0 #120 6 3,755
CY Boys 0 #128 4 3,473
GR 0 #133 3 3,911
MU 0 #137 1 3,613
PA 0 #138 1 3,797
PR Girls 0 #163 5 3,171
CR 0 #165 1 5,526
SI Girls 0 #177 1 2,769
HR 0 #181 1 2,081
AE 0 #186 2 10,220
AL Girls 0 #189 34 4,141
TW Girls 0 #207 70 8,139
SI Boys 0 #211 1 3,402
BG Boys 0 #218 3 3,850
LU Boys 0 #219 2 4,970
GR Girls 0 #226 17 6,293
NA Girls 0 #236 2 7,146
JP Girls 0 #247 5 6,592
GR Boys 0 #248 20 6,912
AO Boys 0 #249 1 5,568
NA Boys 0 #251 3 6,830
MO Girls 0 #256 8 7,056
TW Boys 0 #256 1 7,111
EC Girls 0 #257 2 3,650
HR Boys 0 #257 3 3,997
AL Boys 0 #266 33 5,122
NG 0 #272 1 5,926
AF Boys 0 #274 1 3,535
JM Girls 0 #278 1 7,507
SG 0 #281 2 11,010
JM Boys 0 #291 3 6,876
HR Girls 0 #294 1 3,687
QA Girls 0 #295 22 15,378
JP Boys 0 #303 1 7,909
CZ Boys 0 #305 1 6,530
SA 0 #309 4 10,560
PE 0 #327 3 6,350
DK Girls 0 #328 2 7,429
CN Boys 0 #331 1 9,639
DK Boys 0 #332 1 7,401
JO Girls 0 #339 1 7,570
MU Girls 0 #340 12 8,539
CZ Girls 0 #347 5 5,378
MY 0 #348 7 12,352
HK 0 #354 4 8,483
CN Girls 0 #356 4 8,829
SD Girls 0 #358 1 7,678
PL Girls 0 #363 2 5,096
MU Boys 0 #366 4 8,477
OM Girls 0 #368 29 15,987
NL 0 #371 21 2,481
PT Boys 0 #380 2 7,951
JO Boys 0 #386 4 7,057
Spain Girls 0 #393 946 5,561
Austria Girls 0 #398 23 1,885
YE 0 #398 1 8,639
BO 0 #403 6 6,868
Spain 0 #406 47 2,326
PH Boys 0 #407 2 11,440
Germany 0 #420 18 2,542
PH Girls 0 #426 4 13,098
MX 0 #444 2 8,339
SD Boys 0 #460 7 10,523
PA Girls 0 #467 15 9,861
PT Girls 0 #470 2 7,952
ZA 0 #470 5 14,421
SG Girls 0 #478 109 18,916
AR Boys 0 #482 2 7,628
KW Girls 0 #492 24 19,177
GT Boys 0 #498 2 7,625
AE Girls 0 #500 54 20,968
BH 0 #500 54 17,937
PA Boys 0 #505 1 9,305
CR Girls 0 #506 27 11,342
CO 0 #509 2 7,768
CR Boys 0 #510 1 10,188
HK Boys 0 #517 11 12,905
RU Girls 0 #521 3 11,913
RU Boys 0 #525 2 12,621
GT Girls 0 #533 9 7,500
UY Girls 0 #536 1 6,731
IR Girls 0 #542 4 8,334
PS Girls 0 #544 4 10,981
HK Girls 0 #548 68 16,104
LY 0 #556 4 12,703
CM Girls 0 #559 2 11,671
PS Boys 0 #560 2 10,655
IR Boys 0 #564 2 10,162
CM Boys 0 #572 4 12,054
AR Girls 0 #576 24 8,289
BO Boys 0 #577 16 9,244
IL Boys 0 #624 2 10,983
IL Girls 0 #641 5 11,648
BO Girls 0 #645 7 9,488
IT 0 #661 54 4,183
Germany Girls 0 #669 171 4,949
QA Boys 0 #680 28 18,093
SG Boys 0 #681 17 17,960
MY Girls 0 #684 323 24,821
LB 0 #688 3 13,263
CL Boys 0 #695 6 13,390
IQ Boys 0 #695 3 13,071
IT Girls 0 #725 979 9,415
KW Boys 0 #729 41 18,755
NL Girls 0 #733 224 5,933
SY 0 #766 2 11,684
SA Girls 0 #778 158 25,931
Spain Boys 0 #816 115 5,610
NG Girls 0 #822 5 15,093
OM Boys 0 #823 59 17,948
United States Boys 2024 #856 37 7,044
TN 0 #863 3 13,765
PE Boys 0 #869 10 14,506
United States Girls 2024 #880 37 8,487
CO Boys 0 #905 16 15,656
CL Girls 0 #908 8 14,098
PE Girls 0 #920 24 14,861
AE Boys 0 #921 172 22,615
EG Boys 0 #921 5 15,035
NL Boys 0 #925 27 5,873
Germany Boys 0 #939 14 5,697
MX Boys 0 #965 18 16,355
BR Girls 0 #989 4 12,708
NG Boys 0 #997 5 16,906
EG Girls 0 #1,007 3 14,742
IN Boys 0 #1,032 8 16,750
CO Girls 0 #1,035 44 16,140
MY Boys 0 #1,070 42 25,439
ZA Girls 0 #1,106 36 25,928
MA 0 #1,112 17 20,986
ZA Boys 0 #1,158 21 25,619
MX Girls 0 #1,161 23 17,781
TR 0 #1,189 23 19,440
DZ 0 #1,229 6 20,130
SA Boys 0 #1,250 367 28,008
IT Boys 0 #1,292 180 10,046

Desi is popular in 72 countries — most recent births per country:

United States
AE
AF
AL
AO

Did we miss something about this name? Let us know!

People also ask about Desi

Desi is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls.
Desi is a 2 syllable name, pronounced /ˈdɛsi/ (DEH-see); sometimes /ˈdeɪsi/ (DAY-see).
Common nicknames and spelling variations include Desie, Dessy, Desy and Dezi.
Somewhat — Desi ranked #856 in United States in 2024, placing it just outside the most common names.
Yes — 5 notable people named Desi are in our database, including Desi Bouterse (Politician), Desi Arnaz (Actor), Desi Slava (Musician).
Yes — at least 1 celebrity couple has chosen Desi for their child, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.