What does Dennis mean and where does it come from?
Dennis is traditionally a male name derived from the Greek name Dionysios (Διονύσιος), which means 'follower of Dionysius,' the Greek god of wine and revelry. However, the name has gained some popularity for females in contemporary settings, especially in the United States. The transition of Dennis
Cultural significance
Dennis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #16 in 1949 — currently #644 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dennis?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dennis?
Dennis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dennis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dennis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dennis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dennis Claire
French influence · crisp
Dennis Jane
Literary · strong
Dennis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dennis right now?
Rising — up 9 spots — currently #644 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #644 | 427 | ▲ up 9 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #653 | 422 | ▲ up 37 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #690 | 385 | ▼ down 44 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #646 | 411 | ▼ down 151 · -30% births |
| 2015 | #495 | 590 | ▼ down 103 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #392 | 723 | ▼ down 75 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #317 | 1,036 | ▼ down 65 · -23% births |
| 2000 | #252 | 1,339 | ▼ down 67 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #185 | 1,687 | ▼ down 56 · -32% births |
| 1990 | #129 | 2,494 | ▼ down 26 · -12% births |
| 1985 | #103 | 2,843 | ▼ down 23 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #80 | 3,806 | ▼ down 21 · -20% births |
| 1975 | #59 | 4,729 | ▼ down 13 · -35% births |
| 1970 | #46 | 7,320 | ▼ down 2 · -11% births |
| 1965 | #44 | 8,213 | — |
The story of Dennis
Dennis has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #16 in 1949. Over 622K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #106 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #644 in 2023. Dennis is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dennis in 1949:
Dennis by decade
Dennis peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,107 | |
| 1890s | 919 | |
| 1900s | 988 | |
| 1910s | 4,203 | |
| 1920s | 8,243 | |
| 1930s | 26,507 | |
| 1940s | 162,553 | |
| 1950s ★ | 204,716 | |
| 1960s | 95,399 | |
| 1970s | 50,935 | |
| 1980s | 30,717 | |
| 1990s | 18,264 | |
| 2000s | 10,584 | |
| 2010s | 5,993 | |
| 2020s | 417 | |
What are good nicknames for Dennis?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
DeionDeon
What names sound and feel like Dennis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dennis also consider these
How is Dennis written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Dennis?
Common questions about the name Dennis
What does the name Dennis mean?
Dennis means "Greek" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dennis?
Dennis is currently ranked #644 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Dennis?
Dennis originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dennis?
Dennis is a two-syllable name pronounced D EH1 N IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dennis more of a girl or boy name?
Dennis is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.