Dewey

♂ Boy

Dewey Pronunciation

Dewey is pronounced DOO-ee /ˈdu.i/High

Meaning: From Welsh Dewi (David), 'beloved' — or an Americanized surname; borne by Admiral Dewey and philosopher John DeweyMedium

In 30 seconds: Beloved, with old-fashioned warmth: Dewey traces to Welsh Dewi (David) and to a sturdy American surname — borne by an admiral and a great philosopher. Homespun, vintage, and friendly.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumWelsh, Hebrew

MeaningFrom Welsh Dewi (David), 'beloved' — or an Americanized surname; borne by Admiral Dewey and philosopher John Dewey

U.S. rank (2024)#3613 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1898

Total births (all-time)≈ 34,345

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Dewey derives from the Welsh Dewi, the native form of David ('beloved', and Wales's patron saint), and from an Americanized surname. It peaked in early-twentieth-century America after naval hero Admiral George Dewey; philosopher John Dewey is another famous bearer.

It registers thinly today, reading as vintage-homespun. Rare, beloved at the Welsh root, and friendly.

Did you know? Two Deweys shaped American life — Admiral George Dewey, naval hero of 1898, and philosopher John Dewey, who reinvented modern education; the 'Dewey Decimal' Melvil completes the trio.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Dewey — etymology

Variations

DewiDewie

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dewey…

David— the name it ultimately forms

Dewayne— a fellow vintage De- name

Huey— a companion old-fashioned -ey name

Davey— a fellow Hebrew choice

Joey— shares the -ey ending

→ See all names like Dewey

Browse the whole category: All Welsh names → · All Hebrew names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Dewey?

Dewey is pronounced DOO-ee (/ˈdu.i/). Press play above to hear Dewey said aloud.

How do you say Dewey?

Dewey is said DOO-ee (/ˈdu.i/). Press play above to hear Dewey said aloud.

What does the name Dewey mean?

Dewey comes from Welsh Dewi (David), 'beloved', and from an American surname.

Is Dewey a boy or girl name?

Dewey is a boy's name.

How popular is Dewey?

Dewey is a rare vintage name in the U.S.