Desdemona Blackburn
A 19th-century British missionary known for her work in India.
IPA Pronunciation
dɛzˈdɛm.oʊ.nə
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Syllables
Desdemona originates from the Greek word 'dysdaimon,' meaning 'ill-fated' or 'unfortunate spirit.' It was popularized by Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello,' where Desdemona is a noble and tragic heroine. The name evokes themes of fate, love, and tragedy, rooted deeply in literary history.
Cultural Significance of Desdemona
Desdemona is best known for its role in Shakespeare's 'Othello,' where it represents innocence, love, and tragic fate. The name carries a literary weight and evokes classical themes of doomed romance and virtue. It has appeared in various adaptations of the play and influenced artistic portrayals of tragic heroines in Western culture.
Desdemona Name Popularity in 2025
Today, Desdemona is a rare and distinctive choice for girls, often appealing to parents who value literary heritage and unique, meaningful names. Its dramatic and poetic resonance lends a classic yet unconventional feel, though its association with tragedy may deter some. It remains a favored choice among Shakespeare enthusiasts and those seeking a name with depth.
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International Variations11
DesdémonaDesdemonahDesdamonaDesdemonnaDesdemoniaDesdemonDesdémoneDesdemaDesdemoniDesdeminDesdemauna
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More Girl Names Starting With D10
Name Energy & Essence
The name Desdemona carries the essence of “Ill-fated or unlucky woman” from Greek tradition. Names beginning with "D" often embody qualities of determination, discipline, and practicality.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Desdemona is best known for its role in Shakespeare's 'Othello,' where it represents innocence, love, and tragic fate. The name carries a literary weight and evokes classical themes of doomed romance and virtue. It has appeared in various adaptations of the play and influenced artistic portrayals of tragic heroines in Western culture.
Desdemona Foster
An influential 20th-century African American civil rights activist and educator.
Desdemona Pierce
A noted early 20th-century American suffragette and writer.
Desdemona Mazza
Actress
Desdemona Chiang
Theatre Director
Desdemona Hart
Author
Othello ()
Othello (1995 film) ()
Othello (2001 TV Movie) ()
Shakespeare Retold: Othello ()
O (2001) ()
The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice ()
Desdemona ()
Shakespeare in Love ()
Desdémona
🌐Spanish
Desdémone
🌐French
Desdemona
🌐German
Desdemona
🌐Italian
デズデモーナ (Dezudemōna)
🌐Japanese
黛丝德莫娜 (Dàisī dé mò nà)
🌐Chinese
دسدمونا
🌐Arabic
Fun Fact About Desdemona
Desdemona was Shakespeare's invention, never used as a personal name before his play 'Othello' debuted in 1603, making it one of the earliest fictional names to become recognized.
Personality Traits for Desdemona
Those named Desdemona are often imagined as empathetic, deeply emotional, and artistic. The name suggests strength mixed with vulnerability, loyalty, and an enduring spirit. It evokes a romantic and idealistic personality, someone drawn to beauty and complexity, with a natural grace and intensity.
What does the name Desdemona mean?
Desdemona is a Greek name meaning “Ill-fated or unlucky woman”. Desdemona originates from the Greek word 'dysdaimon,' meaning 'ill-fated' or 'unfortunate spirit.' It was popularized by Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello,' where Desdemona is a noble and tragic heroine. The name evokes themes of fate, love, and tragedy, rooted deeply in literary history.
How do you pronounce Desdemona?
Desdemona is pronounced (IPA: dɛzˈdɛm.oʊ.nə). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Desdemona?
Popular nicknames for Desdemona include: Desi, Des, Dede, Mona, Desma, Demi, Desmo, Dessa, Dezzy, Desa, Mony, Desi-Mo.
Who are famous people named Desdemona?
Famous people named Desdemona include: , , , Desdemona Mazza, Desdemona Chiang.
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Desdemona is a beautiful Greek name meaning “Ill-fated or unlucky woman”. Desdemona originates from the Greek word 'dysdaimon,' meaning 'ill-fated' or 'unfortunate spirit.' It was popularized by Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello,' where Desdemona is a noble and tragic heroine....
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