Desmond Tutu (1931-), South African archbishop, civil rights activist and opponent of apartheid

Desmond Ford, Christian speaker and theologian

Paul Desmond (1924-1977), American jazz saxophonist and composer

Desmond Rebellions, Irish rebellions during the 16th century lead by the Earl of Desmond

Desmond Dekker (1941-2006), Jamaican singer

Des Lynam (1942-), British television presenter

Desmond Llewelyn (1914-1999), Welsh actor

Olga Desmond (1891-1964), German dancer and actress

Desmond Cardinal Connell (1926-), Irish priest

Des O'Connor (1932-), British entertainer

Johnny Desmond (1919-1985), popular American singer.

The Earl of Desmond, an Irish aristocratic title

Richard Desmond (born 1951), British publisher

Des Kelly (1965-), British journalist

Desmond's, a 1990s British sitcom, screened by Channel 4

Desmond Child, songwriter

Viola Desmond (born 1914), Canadian Civil Rights Advocate

County Desmond, a county of medieval Ireland

Eileen Desmond (1932-2005), Irish politician

Des Hasler (1961-), Australian rugby league player/coach

Meighan Desmond (1977-), New Zealand actor

Desmond Hume, a fictional character on the television series Lost

Desmond Tiny, a fictional character of The Saga of Darren Shan.

Gerald Desmond (1915-1964), American civic leader and politician (son of Walter)

Walter Desmond (1876-1951), American judge (father of Gerald)