Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Dennis
BoyGreek, French· “follower of Dionysus”
- Meaning
- follower of Dionysus
- Origin
- Greek, French
- Pronunciation
- DEH-nihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #707
- US babies 2025
- 381
- Best rank
- #16 (1949)
- Peak year
- 1952
Meaning and origin of Dennis
Dennis is a Greek and French name that means “follower of Dionysus”.
Dennis comes from the Greek Dionysios, a name meaning belonging to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and theater. It became a Christian name through Saint Denis, a bishop of Paris martyred in the third century and later the patron saint of France. In France the name became Denis, and the English spelling Dennis developed from there. It was a popular choice in the English-speaking world for much of the twentieth century. Today it has a friendly, vintage character. Den and Denny are the classic nicknames, and the name pairs well with modern middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Denis, Denys.
Popularity over time
Dennis has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #16 in 1949, and the most babies received it in 1952, when 24,552 were named Dennis. In 2025, 381 babies were named Dennis, and it ranked #707 nationally. That is 36% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #207 in 1920, #17 in 1950, #80 in 1980, #251 in 2000, #391 in 2010, and #707 in 2025. Of the 621,000 US boys named Dennis since records began, 33% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 162,114 babies. Since 2010, 8,383 more have been named Dennis.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Stephen, Roger, Gary, Lawrence, and Thomas.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dennis ranked highest in Maryland, Nebraska, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #370 | 14 |
| Nebraska | #391 | 6 |
| Indiana | #461 | 15 |
| Mississippi | #481 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #494 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Dennis over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Dennis is usually pronounced DEH-nihs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-is”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Denis and Denys.
Middle names for Dennis
A few middle names that flow with Dennis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dennis
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Lists that include Dennis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dennis mean?
Dennis is a Greek and French name that means “follower of Dionysus”.
What is the origin of the name Dennis?
Dennis has Greek and French roots. Dennis comes from the Greek Dionysios, a name meaning belonging to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and theater.
Is Dennis a popular name?
Yes. Dennis ranked #707 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Dennis a boy or girl name?
Dennis is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Dennis over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Dennis?
Dennis is usually pronounced DEH-nihs. 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