Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Denis has Greek origins, stemming from Dionysios, meaning 'follower of Dionysus.' It evolved through various languages and gained prominence due to the influence of Saint Denis in medieval France. The name is associated with traits of culture and artistry, and it has no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dəˈniː/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Denis is derived from the Greek name Dionysios, which means 'follower of Dionysus,' the Greek god of wine and festivity.
Meaning
follower of Dionysus
Language Evolution
Dionysios (Ancient Greek), Denys (Old French), Denis (Modern French)
Historical Usage
The name Denis gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in France, due to the veneration of Saint Denis, the patron saint of France.
Variants & Derivatives
Denys, Denny, Dino
Modern Popularity & Image
Denis is often perceived as a classic and strong name, commonly associated with cultured and artistic individuals.
Famous People
Denis Diderot, a French philosopher and writer, Denis Leary, an American actor and comedian, Denis Villeneuve, a Canadian film director
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 625 peak births in 1952
Geographic Spread
Popular across 40 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (19 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 19 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 957th of 7545 | 817 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 405th of 6773 | 3,738 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 355th of 7552 | 8,292 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 628th of 10718 | 2,700 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 992nd of 16616 | 1,650 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1227th of 24088 | 2,044 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1611th of 23106 | 1,233 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 6926th of 9204 | 18 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5308th of 12526 | 102 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5966th of 19264 | 130 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6010th of 27321 | 213 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5926th of 35406 | 330 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 13046th of 30306 | 74 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
64.12% 908th/1416 |
38.51% 531st/1379 |
65.89% 1559th/2366 |
85.99% 982nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
19.21% 297th/1546 |
14.85% 231st/1556 |
50.96% 1199th/2353 |
24.11% 373rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
13.56% 302nd/2227 |
8.60% 209th/2430 |
25.27% 721st/2853 |
14.92% 414th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
21.04% 618th/2937 |
9.76% 340th/3483 |
31.55% 1110th/3518 |
19.44% 786th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
34.68% 1278th/3685 |
12.98% 581st/4475 |
25.99% 1350th/5194 |
18.09% 1143rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
33.04% 1514th/4582 |
14.02% 724th/5164 |
18.76% 1372nd/7313 |
15.85% 1183rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
49.95% 1990th/3984 |
26.79% 1202nd/4487 |
21.96% 1498th/6822 |
28.57% 1793rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
83.13% 4318th/5194 |
51.12% 3229th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
61.59% 4504th/7313 |
53.89% 4022nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
94.39% 5924th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 957th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 405th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 355th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 628th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 992nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1227th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1611th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6926th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5308th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5966th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6010th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5926th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13046th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.