What does Denver mean and where does it come from?
Denver is traditionally a masculine name, but in recent times it has been increasingly adopted as a unisex name, particularly for females. It derives from the name of the city in Colorado, which itself is believed to originate from a French version of the name 'Danvers.' The name connotes geographic
Cultural significance
Denver has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the city of dan's valley.
Peak popularity
Reached #488 in 2024 — currently #518 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Denver?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Denver?
Denver works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Denver Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Denver John
One syllable · timeless choice
Denver Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Denver Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Denver Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Denver Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Denver right now?
Declining — down 30 spots — currently #518 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #518 | 578 | ▼ down 30 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #488 | 633 | ▲ up 22 · +8% births |
| 2023 | #510 | 587 | ▼ down 29 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #481 | 644 | ▲ up 27 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #508 | 579 | ▲ up 387 · +98% births |
| 2020 | #895 | 293 | ▲ up 346 · +49% births |
| 2015 | #1241 | 197 | ▲ up 2276 · +338% births |
| 2010 | #3517 | 45 | ▲ up 1194 · +61% births |
| 2005 | #4711 | 28 | ▼ down 528 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #4183 | 29 | ▲ up 2091 · +107% births |
| 1995 | #6274 | 14 | ▲ up 5156 · +133% births |
| 1990 | #11430 | 6 | ▼ down 5429 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #6001 | 9 | ▼ down 1235 · +50% births |
| 1950 | #4766 | 6 | ▲ up 247 · +20% births |
| 1925 | #5013 | 5 | — |
The story of Denver
Denver entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. A total of 18,621 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3819 in 1915 to #510 in 2023. Denver is used for both genders: 13% female and 87% male.
Names that peaked alongside Denver in 2024:
Denver by decade
Denver peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 18 | |
| 1890s | 51 | |
| 1900s | 136 | |
| 1910s | 1,012 | |
| 1920s | 1,813 | |
| 1930s | 1,429 | |
| 1940s | 1,498 | |
| 1950s | 1,301 | |
| 1960s | 984 | |
| 1970s | 1,078 | |
| 1980s | 1,086 | |
| 1990s | 1,660 | |
| 2000s | 1,886 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,840 | |
| 2020s | 2,728 | |
What are good nicknames for Denver?
What names sound and feel like Denver?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Denver also consider these
Common questions about the name Denver
What does the name Denver mean?
Denver means "From the city of Dan's valley" — a name rooted in American 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 Denver?
Denver is currently ranked #510 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Denver have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Denver?
Denver originates from American tradition. American 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 Denver?
Denver is a two-syllable name pronounced DENV-er. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Denver trending right now?
Denver is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.