Dennis
Dennis is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Follower of Dionysus.
Origin and history
Dennis is an English name derived from the Greco-Roman name Dionysios, meaning follower of Dionysus. It became widely popular in the mid-20th century in the United States and remains a familiar classic. Today, it is less common for newborns but retains strong recognition.
Popularity in the United States
621,000 babies in the United States have been named Dennis since 1880. It ranks #51 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #656.
States where it is most popular
- CA (8.5 %)
- NY (7.5 %)
- PA (6.9 %)
- MI (6.3 %)
- IL (6.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 1,107 |
| 1890-1900 | 919 |
| 1900-1910 | 988 |
| 1910-1920 | 4,166 |
| 1920-1930 | 8,145 |
| 1930-1940 | 26,366 |
| 1940-1950 | 162,114 |
| 1950-1960 | 204,267 |
| 1960-1970 | 94,984 |
| 1970-1980 | 50,552 |
| 1980-1990 | 30,463 |
| 1990-2000 | 18,101 |
| 2000-2010 | 10,445 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,977 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,406 |
Famous people named Dennis
- Dennis Quaid: Actor
- Dennis Rodman: Basketball Player
- Dennis Hopper: Actor, Director
Nicknames
Denny, Den
Fun facts
- Saint Denis was a 3rd-century bishop of Paris whose veneration popularized the name across medieval Europe.
- Dennis ranked as a top 20 boys' name in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s.