Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Denali
UnisexNative American· “the high one”
- Meaning
- the high one
- Origin
- Native American
- Pronunciation
- duh-NAH-lee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,338
- US babies 2025
- 78
- Best rank
- #2,053 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Denali
Denali is a Native American name that means “the high one”.
North America's highest mountain, located in Alaska, is called Denali. The name comes from the Koyukon Athabaskan language and is usually translated as the high one or the tall one. The peak has also carried the official name Mount McKinley, but Denali has deep significance for Alaska Native peoples. As a given name, Denali evokes grandeur, wilderness and strength. The mountain is the centerpiece of Denali National Park and Preserve in interior Alaska.
Popularity over time
Denali first appears in US Social Security records in 1977. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,053 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 94 babies. In 2025, 78 babies were named Denali, and it ranked #2,338 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,347 in 2000, #3,700 in 2010, and #2,338 in 2025. Of the 1,795 US girls named Denali since records began, 33% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 499 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Arin, Samar, Riyan, Amour, and Camari.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Denali ranked highest in Washington, Georgia, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #953 | 6 |
| Georgia | #1248 | 7 |
| Texas | #2078 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Denali is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 72% of US babies named Denali were girls and 28% were boys.
Denali is usually pronounced duh-NAH-lee, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-li”.
Middle names for Denali
A few middle names that flow with Denali: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Denali
Similar names
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Lists that include Denali
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Denali mean?
Denali is a Native American name that means “the high one”.
What is the origin of the name Denali?
Denali has Native American roots. North America's highest mountain, located in Alaska, is called Denali.
Is Denali a popular name?
Not especially. Denali ranked #2,338 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Denali a boy or girl name?
Denali is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 72% of US babies named Denali were girls and 28% were boys.
How do you pronounce Denali?
Denali is usually pronounced duh-NAH-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings