Desired or star of the sea
Originally a diminutive of names like Desirée or Mary (via the Irish Desirée-influenced variant), it has also been used as a nickname for Modesta. In the American South during the early 20th century, it frequently stood alone as a given name. It carries the weight of its root meanings, ranging from 'longed for' to 'modest'.
Less common today
Dessie isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,836 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Irish professional footballer
Gaelic football manager and former player
Champion Irish racehorse trainer and jockey
