The name Dennis, a strong and familiar choice, has a history rooted in Greek mythology and a popularity that has seen both peaks and valleys over the decades. Let’s delve into the origins, meaning, popularity trends, and alternatives to help you decide if Dennis is the right name for your little one.
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Dennis Name Popularity
How popular is the name Dennis? Here’s a comprehensive look at its historical usage.
The provided data from SSA.gov offers a detailed view of the name’s popularity in the United States, starting from 1910. Examining the data, we can observe a clear trend:
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Early 20th Century: Dennis maintained a moderate level of popularity, consistently ranking within the top 250 names.
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The Rise to Prominence (1930s-1950s): A significant surge in popularity occurred from the 1930s, reaching its peak in the mid-20th century. In the 1940s and 1950s, Dennis consistently ranked among the top 20 names, even reaching the top 16 in 1949. The peak births recorded was in 1947 with 23,684 babies named Dennis, representing 1.4188% of births.
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Decline in Popularity (1960s-Present): Since the 1960s, the name has experienced a steady decline in popularity. While still in the top 100 until the early 1980s, its ranking has gradually decreased. As of 2023, Dennis ranked 643, with 383 births and 0.0296% of all births.
The data is best summarized as:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 207 | 82 | 0.0233% |
| 1947 | 17 | 23,684 | 1.4188% |
| 2023 | 643 | 383 | 0.0296% |
The District of Columbia data provided showed a peak in the 1940s-1960s and a subsequent decline.
The decline in popularity could be attributed to changing naming trends, cultural shifts, and the emergence of new, more fashionable names. Despite the decline, Dennis remains a recognizable and classic name.
Names Like Dennis
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Dennis, here are some alternatives, variants, and similar-sounding names to consider:
Variants of Dennis:
These names share the same origin and meaning as Dennis:
- Den
- Denies
- Denis (French variant)
- Dennes
- Dennet (also a girl’s name)
- Denney
- Dennie (also a girl’s name)
- Dennison
- Denny (also a girl’s name)
- Dennys
- Denys (also a girl’s name)
- Deon (also a girl’s name)
- Dion (also a girl’s name)
- Dionisio
- Dionysius
- Dionysus
- Diot
Names That Sound Like Dennis:
- Deonys
- Tannis
- Teunis
Similar Names:
These names share a similar style or feel to Dennis:
- Artemas
- Denmark
- Tyson
Meaning and Origin
Dennis is derived from the Greek name Dionysius. Dionysius was the Greek god of wine, fertility, theatre, and religious ecstasy. The name essentially means "follower of Dionysius" or "devotee of Dionysius." It carries connotations of joy, creativity, and abundance, stemming from the association with the wine god.
Lists With Dennis
While the original article mentions lists featuring the name Dennis, it doesn’t provide specifics. Some general lists where you might find Dennis include:
- Classic boy names
- Names of Greek origin
- Names with historical significance
Siblings of Dennis
The data indicates that families who chose the name Dennis also frequently chose these names for Dennis’s siblings:
- Micheal
- Liam
- William
- Autumn (Girl)
- Isabella (Girl)
- Madisyn (Girl)
- Steven
Conclusion
Dennis is a name steeped in history and mythology, carrying a meaning associated with joy and creativity. While its popularity has waned in recent decades, it remains a classic choice with a familiar and appealing sound. If you’re seeking a name with a strong heritage and a touch of vintage charm, Dennis is certainly worth considering. The provided alternatives offer variations on the theme, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your family.