What does Dempsey mean and where does it come from?
Dempsey is an Irish surname that has transitioned into a first name, particularly in the United States. The name is derived from the Gaelic 'deamhas' meaning 'proud' or 'haughty'. Although primarily a surname, it gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century. Notable people with the surname
Cultural significance
Dempsey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #2841 in 2024 — currently #3004 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dempsey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dempsey?
Dempsey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dempsey Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dempsey John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dempsey Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dempsey Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Dempsey Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Dempsey Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Dempsey right now?
Falling — down 163 spots — currently #3004 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3004 | 41 | ▼ down 163 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #2841 | 45 | ▼ down 494 · -24% births |
| 2023 | #2347 | 59 | ▲ up 246 · +13% births |
| 2022 | #2593 | 52 | ▼ down 511 · -26% births |
| 2021 | #2082 | 70 | ▲ up 2894 · +180% births |
| 2020 | #4976 | 25 | ▼ down 989 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #3987 | 37 | ▲ up 7262 · +311% births |
| 2010 | #11249 | 9 | ▲ up 5239 · +80% births |
| 2005 | #16488 | 5 | ▼ down 1433 |
| 2000 | #15055 | 5 | ▼ down 1632 |
| 1995 | #13423 | 5 | ▼ down 8420 |
| 1920 | #5003 | 5 | — |
The story of Dempsey
Dempsey entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. With 4,368 total births recorded, Dempsey remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5003 in 1920 to #2347 in 2023. Dempsey is used for both genders: 9% female and 91% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dempsey in 2024:
Dempsey by decade
Dempsey peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 42 | |
| 1890s | 42 | |
| 1900s | 67 | |
| 1910s | 314 | |
| 1920s | 715 | |
| 1930s | 403 | |
| 1940s | 411 | |
| 1950s | 368 | |
| 1960s | 235 | |
| 1970s | 181 | |
| 1980s | 139 | |
| 1990s | 199 | |
| 2000s | 245 | |
| 2010s ★ | 931 | |
| 2020s | 235 | |
💎With 4,368 total births, Dempsey is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Dempsey?
Famous people named Dempsey
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Dempsey (Irish saint)
Dempsey helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
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Dempsey (Irish revolutionary)
Dempsey carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
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Dempsey (traditional Irish musician)
Dempsey passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
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Dempsey (Celtic chieftain)
Dempsey bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Dempsey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dempsey also consider these
Common questions about the name Dempsey
What does the name Dempsey mean?
Dempsey means "Irish" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dempsey?
Dempsey is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Dempsey?
Dempsey originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dempsey?
Dempsey is a two-syllable name pronounced DEMPS-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dempsey a common or rare name?
Dempsey is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.