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Dennis

♂ Boy

Pronounced DEN-is /ˈdɛn.ɪs/High

Meaning: From the Medieval Latin Dionysius, derived from the Greek Dionysios, meaning 'follower of Dionysus' or 'devoted to Dionysus,' the Greek god of wine, festivity, and theatrical artsHigh

In 30 seconds: Dennis is a classic mid-century American name with ancient Greek roots tracing back to Dionysus, the god of wine. Sturdy, reliable, and deeply familiar, it carries the comfortable confidence of a timeless classic.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin
MeaningFrom the Medieval Latin Dionysius, derived from the Greek Dionysios, meaning 'follower of Dionysus' or 'devoted to Dionysus,' the Greek god of wine, festivity, and theatrical arts
U.S. rank (2025)#707 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births381 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1952
Total births (all-time)≈ 620,996

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195218802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Dennis derives from the Latin Dionysius, itself from Greek Dionysios, honoring Dionysus the god of wine and revelry. Saint Denis of Paris brought the name enormous popularity in medieval France and England. In Ireland, Dennis was also used to anglicize the Celtic name Donnchadha.

Dennis was extremely popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1950s. The comic strip character Dennis the Menace, introduced in 1951 by Hank Ketcham, both reflected and amplified the name's cultural moment. Dennis has since become a classic retro name.

Did you know? Saint Denis (also spelled Dionysius) was the first Bishop of Paris and the patron saint of France, martyred around 250 CE. His veneration throughout medieval Europe was a primary reason the name Dennis spread so widely across Western Christendom.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Dennis — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DenisDenysDenny

Nicknames

DennyDen

Famous Bearers

  • ★Dennis Hopper (1936–2010)
    American actor and director, known for Easy Rider.
  • ★Dennis Rodman (1961–present)
    American NBA Hall of Fame basketball player.

If you like Dennis…

Donald— shares the mid-century American classic feel and strong two-syllable structure
Gerald— fellow mid-20th-century staple with ancient roots and the same sturdy reliability
Kenneth— parallel classic American name from the same generational peak era
Stephen— shares the steady, dependable classic quality and the same mid-century popularity arc

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dennis mean?

Dennis means 'follower of Dionysus,' the Greek god of wine and festivity. It derives from the Greek Dionysios through the Latin Dionysius.

How do you pronounce Dennis?

Dennis is pronounced DEN-is /ˈdɛn.ɪs/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Dennis an old-fashioned name?

Dennis peaked in the 1950s in the United States and now has a vintage retro quality. It remains a strong, classic choice.

What is the origin of the name Dennis?

Dennis comes from the Latin Dionysius, Greek Dionysios, ultimately named for the god Dionysus. Saint Denis of Paris made it widely popular in medieval Europe.