In Anglo-Saxon Baby Names the meaning of the name Desmond is: Gracious defender.

What is the origin of Desmond?

Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Deasmhumhnaigh 'descendant of the man from southern Munster', from deas 'south' + Mumhain 'Munster', an ancient Irish kingdom named for Mumhu, one of its early kings. The surname Desmond has passed into common use as a personal name, not only in Ireland.

Is Desmond a good name?

Desmond is a sophisticated and debonair name, with noble ties to 1984 Nobel Peace Prize-winning Bishop Desmond Tutu, and with some great nicknames: Des/Dez, Desi/Dezi. Another notable Desmond is British zoologist and anthropologist Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape and other popular books.