Dermot Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DUR-mit //ˈdɛr.mət//
Origin: Irish; Gaelic
Meaning: Irish: 'free man'; Gaelic: 'without a master'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Dermot has its roots in the Old Irish name "Diarmuid," which is derived from the elements "diar" meaning "free" or "without" and "muid" meaning "enemy." This etymology suggests a literal interpretation of the name as "free from enemies." The name evolved through various forms, including the Latinized version "Dermitius," before making its way into English usage, particularly in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. Historically, Dermot is associated with several notable figures in Irish history and mythology.
One of the most prominent was Dermot MacMurrough, the King of Leinster in the 12th century, who played a crucial role in the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. His actions and subsequent alliances significantly impacted Irish history, leading to centuries of conflict and cultural exchange.
Additionally, the name appears in various medieval texts and legends, including the tales of the Fianna, where a character named Diarmuid Ua Duibhne is a central figure, known for his tragic love story and heroic feats. Culturally, Dermot has been embraced in Irish folklore and literature, symbolizing bravery and resilience.
The name's association with historical figures and legendary narratives has contributed to its enduring presence in Irish culture. Variants of the name, such as Dermod or Diarmuid, have also appeared in different contexts, reflecting the name's adaptability and significance across regions and eras.
Overall, Dermot encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural resonance, marking its importance in the historical narrative of Ireland.
Famous people named Dermot
In this section, you will find notable people named Dermot. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Dermot who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Dermot who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Dermot Mulroney is an actor best known for My Best Friend's Wedding, The Wedding Date, and August: Osage County.
Dermot O'Leary is a television presenter best known for The X Factor, Dermot O'Leary's Saturday Night Takeaway, and Radio 2.
Fictional characters named Dermot
The following list of fictional characters named Dermot is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Dermot Mulroney is a fictional character from the film My Best Friend's Wedding. He is the charming and supportive best friend of the protagonist, who becomes the object of her romantic interest.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Dermot, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Dermot. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Dermot was first seen in the United States in 1917.
Dermot has ranked as high as #5240 nationally, which occurred in 1969, and has been most popular in New York.
In the past 5 years the name Dermot has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Dermot is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Dermot was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Dermot.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 8 |
| 2021 | 5 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 | 6 |
| 2018 | 6 | 6 |
| 2016 | 9 | 9 |
| 2015 | 5 | 5 |
| 2014 | 11 | 11 |
| 2013 | 6 | 6 |
| 2012 | 10 | 10 |
| 2010 | 8 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 | 6 |
| 2008 | 10 | 10 |
| 2007 | 14 | 14 |
| 2006 | 9 | 9 |
| 2005 | 10 | 10 |
| 2004 | 11 | 11 |
| 2003 | 12 | 12 |
| 2002 | 8 | 8 |
| 2001 | 13 | 13 |
| 2000 | 5 | 5 |
| 1999 | 11 | 11 |
| 1998 | 6 | 6 |
| 1997 | 6 | 6 |
| 1996 | 6 | 6 |
| 1995 | 5 | 5 |
| 1994 | 5 | 5 |
| 1980 | 5 | 5 |
| 1977 | 7 | 7 |
| 1976 | 8 | 8 |
| 1975 | 7 | 7 |
| 1974 | 8 | 8 |
| 1973 | 13 | 13 |
| 1972 | 11 | 11 |
| 1971 | 8 | 8 |
| 1970 | 10 | 10 |
| 1969 | 16 | 16 |
| 1968 | 10 | 10 |
| 1967 | 9 | 9 |
| 1966 | 10 | 10 |
| 1965 | 5 | 5 |
| 1964 | 14 | 14 |
| 1963 | 14 | 14 |
| 1962 | 11 | 11 |
| 1961 | 9 | 9 |
| 1960 | 7 | 7 |
| 1959 | 12 | 12 |
| 1958 | 8 | 8 |
| 1957 | 5 | 5 |
| 1956 | 13 | 13 |
| 1955 | 11 | 11 |
| 1954 | 9 | 9 |
| 1942 | 5 | 5 |
| 1940 | 5 | 5 |
| 1929 | 5 | 5 |
| 1927 | 5 | 5 |
| 1918 | 6 | 6 |
| 1917 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Dermot (2001)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 6 |