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Denver

♂ Boy

Pronounced DEN-ver /ˈdɛnvər/High

Meaning: From the English surname Denver, derived from the French place-name d'Anvers (from Antwerp, Belgium) or from an English place in Norfolk; as an American place-name, Denver was named after Kansas Territory Governor James W. DenverMedium

In 30 seconds: Denver is a rugged, two-syllable American place-name carrying the spirit of the Rocky Mountain West. Bold and approachable, it fits perfectly in the current trend for geographic and outdoorsy boys' names.
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Origin MediumOld French, English
MeaningFrom the English surname Denver, derived from the French place-name d'Anvers (from Antwerp, Belgium) or from an English place in Norfolk; as an American place-name, Denver was named after Kansas Territory Governor James W. Denver
U.S. rank (2025)#518 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births578 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 19,171

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202218802025

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

History & Origin

Denver as a surname derives from either the French d'Anvers (from Antwerp) or an English place-name in Norfolk. As an American city, Denver was named in 1858 after Governor James W. Denver in a bid to win political favor. The city grew to become the 'Mile High City' at an elevation of exactly 5,280 feet above sea level.

Denver as a given name has American Western associations, appealing to parents drawn to geographic names and frontier heritage. It rose alongside a wave of place-name boys' names including Austin, Dallas, and Phoenix. The country singer John Denver (born Henry Deutschendorf) also gave the name wide cultural resonance.

Did you know? Denver, Colorado was named after James W. Denver, the Governor of the Kansas Territory in 1858 — though ironically Denver had already resigned from office by the time the town was named in his honor.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Denver — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Denv

Nicknames

DenDenny

Famous Bearers

  • ★John Denver (1943–1997)
    American country and folk singer known for Rocky Mountain High and Take Me Home, Country Roads.

If you like Denver…

Dallas— fellow bold American city name used as a boys' first name
Austin— popular American place-name boys' name with the same Western feel
Houston— American city-name with the same frontier character
Phoenix— place-name nature-name with the same geographic-Western energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Denver mean?

Denver comes from an English surname derived from the French d'Anvers (from Antwerp). As an American city name, it was named after Governor James W. Denver in 1858.

How do you pronounce Denver?

It is said DEN-ver — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Denver a boy or girl name?

Denver is used primarily as a boys' name.

How popular is Denver?

Denver has been growing in the U.S. as part of the geographic place-name trend and now charts in the top 400 boys' names.