Dempsey

“proud”

Irish origin · Unisex name

♂ 91% boys♀ 9% girls

#2347US 2023

59Births / yr

↑Rising

4.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 192000

How to pronounce Dempsey

DEMPS·ee

/ˈdɛmps.iː/ · stress on DEMPS · 2 syllables

“proud”

Irish origin · Unisex name

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 #3587 in 1941 — currently #2347 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Dempsey right now?

Rising fast — up 246 spots — currently #2347 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#2347 · Top 1.7%

1920

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dempsey

Best Year2021Rank #2082

Peak Count70

Average Rank#7720

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 202310 years

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 1941:

Mary Barbara Patricia Carol Linda

Dempsey by decade

Dempsey peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s 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	76

💎With 4,368 total births, Dempsey is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Dempsey?

Common

DemDeEmpsey

Famous people named Dempsey

Dempsey (Irish saint)

Dempsey helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.

Dempsey (Irish revolutionary)

Dempsey carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

Dempsey (traditional Irish musician)

Dempsey passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.

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

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What names sound and feel like Dempsey?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dempsey also consider these

Delsey

American · Derived from Delcy,

Dempsy

Ireland · A beloved name

Decosey

French · A French name

Demoney

American · A creative variation,

Dempster

French · A French name

Destney

English · English

Keltsey

American · A modern alternative

Lendsey

American · Variation of the

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 D EH1 M P S IY0. 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.