Dennis

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Dennis

Gender Boy
Origin Greek
Letters 6
Syllables 2
Pronunciation DEN-iss

Dennis, which has 6 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Greek origin.

Meaning of Dennis

Wild / frenzied

The name Dennis is of Greek origin and means "Follower of Dionysus". It is also used as a diminutive form of the names Dionysius, Dion, and Denys.

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Meaning Wild / frenzied
Origin Greek
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #708 in 2024 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1940s)

Background & History of The Name Dennis

Dennis is a masculine given name that originated from the Greco-Roman name Dionysius, which means "follower of Dionysus". Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, pleasure, and festivity. The name Dennis gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the medieval period and has been in use ever since.

The name Dennis has various forms and spellings across different languages. In French, it is commonly spelled Denis, while in Spanish it is DenĂ­s. The popularity of the name has extended globally, with variants such as Denis in Russian, Dionysios in Greek, and Deniz in Turkish.

Throughout history, many notable individuals have carried the name Dennis. One such example is Dennis the Short, a 9th-century king of the Kingdom of the Picts in Scotland. Additionally, Saint Denis, a 3rd-century Christian martyr, played a significant role in the spread of the name. Dennis has also been a popular name among musicians, with notable figures such as Dennis Wilson, the drummer of the iconic band The Beach Boys.

As a first name, Dennis is known for its association with traits such as loyalty, intelligence, and creativity. People named Dennis often possess strong leadership skills and have a charismatic and outgoing personality. They are known to be reliable and trustworthy individuals who can be counted on in times of need. The name Dennis also carries a sense of adventure, as those with this name tend to be open to exploring new experiences and embracing change.

Overall, the name Dennis holds a rich history and has been widely used for centuries. Its connections to Greek mythology, notable individuals, and positive attributes make it a popular choice for parents around the world.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Dennis over the years.

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