The name Denise carries an air of classic elegance, a name that has resonated across generations. If you’re considering Denise for your little one, understanding its origins, meaning, and popularity is a great place to start. This article explores the fascinating aspects of the name Denise, from its historical roots to its modern-day appeal.
Meaning and Origin
The name Denise is derived from the French masculine name Denis, which in turn comes from the Greek name Dionysius. Dionysius was the Greek god of wine, vegetation, fertility, theatre, and religious ecstasy. Therefore, the name Denise can be interpreted as "follower of Dionysius" or "devotee of Dionysius." The infographic highlights the connection to Dionysus, describing the meaning as "A gay maiden," in allusion to Dionysos, the god of vegetation and wine, in Greek mythology. While "gay" historically meant joyful or merry, the more accurate interpretation emphasizes devotion and association with the vibrant qualities linked to the god Dionysius.
Denise Name Popularity
How popular is the name Denise? Let’s delve into its historical trend.
The popularity of Denise has fluctuated significantly throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1950 | 82 | 4,506 | 0.2799% |
| 1955 | 23 | 14,559 | 0.7915% |
| 1960 | 29 | 15,065 | 0.7951% |
| 1964 | 25 | 14,728 | 0.8367% |
| 1970 | 36 | 9,343 | 0.5871% |
| 1980 | 93 | 3,140 | 0.2148% |
| 1990 | 152 | 1,932 | 0.1166% |
| 2000 | 330 | 920 | 0.0602% |
| 2010 | 486 | 568 | 0.0394% |
| 2020 | 874 | 254 | 0.02% |
| 2023 | 1,486 | 96 | 0.0074% |
As the table indicates, Denise reached peak popularity in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s and 1960s, consistently ranking among the top names for baby girls. The most popular year was 1964, with a rank of 25 and representing 0.8367% of births. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined, although it remains in use.
The state chart data shows a small concentration of the name in District of Columbia.
Names Like Denise: Variations and Similar Sounds
If you appreciate the sound and style of Denise, you might also like its variants or names that share a similar auditory appeal.
Variants of Denise:
These names offer a fresh twist on the classic Denise:
- Deneigh: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denese: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Deney: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Deni: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denice: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Deniece: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denisa: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denissa: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denisse: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denize: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Dennet: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Dennette: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denni: Valley; follower of Dionysius (French)
- Dennie: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Dennise: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denny: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denyce: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denys: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Denyse: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Dinnie: Follower of Dionysius (French)
- Dinny: Follower of Dionysius (French)
Names that sound like Denise:
- Danice: God is my Judge (Hebrew)
- Danise: (English)
Choosing Denise
Denise is a name that blends historical significance with a touch of elegance. Its association with Dionysius, the Greek god of exuberance, adds a layer of depth and character. Whether you’re drawn to its classic sound, its French origin, or its rich history, Denise is a name that carries a timeless appeal.
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