What does Dewey mean and where does it come from?
Dewey is originally a masculine name that has transitioned into use as a feminine name, particularly in the United States. The name has Welsh origins, and notable individuals include Dewey Martin, a musician associated with the 1960s band Buffalo Springfield. Variations of this name may appear in di
Cultural significance
Dewey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of swarthy; dark skinned.
Peak popularity
Reached #308 in 1898 — currently #697 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dewey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dewey?
Dewey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dewey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dewey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dewey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dewey Claire
French influence · crisp
Dewey Jane
Literary · strong
Dewey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dewey right now?
Holding steady — currently #697 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #697 | 1,503 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #702 | 1,483 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #707 | 1,453 | ▲ up 4094 · +24117% births |
| 1950 | #4801 | 6 | ▼ down 1800 · -33% births |
| 1940 | #3001 | 9 | ▼ down 530 · -25% births |
| 1935 | #2471 | 12 | ▼ down 508 · -33% births |
| 1930 | #1963 | 18 | ▲ up 180 |
| 1925 | #2143 | 18 | ▲ up 804 · +64% births |
| 1920 | #2947 | 11 | ▼ down 1563 · +22% births |
| 1900 | #1384 | 9 | — |
The story of Dewey
Dewey has been a beloved American name for over 127 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1897. A total of 34,778 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1384 in 1900 to #697 in 2023. Dewey is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dewey in 1898:
Dewey by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 25 | |
| 1890s | 2,062 | |
| 1900s | 1,359 | |
| 1910s | 3,028 | |
| 1920s ★ | 7,370 | |
| 1930s | 5,431 | |
| 1940s | 5,411 | |
| 1950s | 3,840 | |
| 1960s | 2,624 | |
| 1970s | 1,635 | |
| 1980s | 922 | |
| 1990s | 492 | |
| 2000s | 317 | |
| 2010s | 232 | |
| 2020s | 30 | |
What are good nicknames for Dewey?
ENGLISH
DaveDaveyDavieDavy
What names sound and feel like Dewey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dewey also consider these
How is Dewey written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Dewey
What does the name Dewey mean?
Dewey means "swarthy; dark skinned" — 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 Dewey?
Dewey is currently ranked #697 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dewey?
Dewey 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 Dewey?
Dewey is a two-syllable name pronounced D UW1 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dewey more of a girl or boy name?
Dewey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.