Dean
Dean is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Valley or valley dweller.
Origin and history
Dean is derived from an English surname based on the Old English word 'dene', meaning valley. While traditionally and far more commonly given to boys, it has a long history of rare usage as a feminine given name in the United States. Today, it remains an uncommon feminine choice with a classic, tailored sound.
Popularity in the United States
2,914 babies in the United States have been named Dean since 1880. It ranks #3286 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2071.
States where it is most popular
- AL (28.5 %)
- TN (25 %)
- KY (9.4 %)
- OK (7.5 %)
- AR (7.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 16 |
| 1890-1900 | 52 |
| 1900-1910 | 100 |
| 1910-1920 | 268 |
| 1920-1930 | 566 |
| 1930-1940 | 560 |
| 1940-1950 | 446 |
| 1950-1960 | 308 |
| 1960-1970 | 284 |
| 1970-1980 | 147 |
| 1980-1990 | 80 |
| 1990-2000 | 16 |
| 2000-2010 | 13 |
| 2010-2019 | 28 |
| 2020-2029 | 30 |
Fun facts
- The name originally described someone who lived in or near a valley or dene in medieval England.
- Although predominantly male, Dean has maintained continuous minor usage for females in the U.S. since the late 19th century.