Origin and Meaning of Des

Short form of Desmond or derived from the Irish meaning 'from the fortress'

Origin: Irish - Des is often a diminutive of Desmond, which itself is derived from the Old Irish 'Deas,' meaning 'south' or 'from the fortress.'

• Des has been used as a standalone name and is more commonly used in English-speaking countries, particularly in Ireland.
• As a diminutive, Des is often used informally for people named Desmond, especially in personal relationships or casual contexts.
• Notable bearers include Australian actor Desmond Haynes, better known as Des, and Des O'Connor, a British entertainer.
• The name Des is relatively less popular compared to its more traditional forms like Desmond, but it has seen some usage in recent years often associated with modern naming trends.
• Variations or related names include Desmond, which is more widely recognized and has a richer history.