Dennis

Also spelled: Denis, Dionysius, Denys

Dennis · Denis (French, Russian) · Dionigi (Italian) · Dionísio (Portuguese) · Dionisio (Spanish)

Pronunciation: DEN-is

♂ Male

Ancient Greek

Appears in:

Meaning

Follower of Dionysus

Origin

Greek

The Story Behind Dennis

The name Dennis is derived from Dionysius, the Greek god of wine, revelry, and fertility. The name became popular in early Christian times due to Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, a 1st-century Athenian judge converted by Saint Paul, and later Saint Denis, a 3rd-century bishop of Paris and patron saint of France. The name was introduced to England by the Normans and has been in continuous use since the Middle Ages.

Its popularity has waxed and waned over centuries, often seeing revivals due to religious veneration or cultural trends. The short form 'Dennis' became particularly common in English-speaking countries, distinguishing it from the more formal 'Dionysius' or 'Denis'.

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Common

Trend:Declining

Peak decade:1950s

Era:Medieval, Contemporary

Popularity Trends

Is Dennis Right for Your Baby?

Dennis is a Classic, Friendly name for boys that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables2

LengthMedium

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Cultural Associations

Greek Mythology

Biblical / Christian

Regions Where Dennis Is Used

Greek

European

Name Vibe

Classic

Friendly

Famous People Named Dennis

Dennis Quaid, American actor
Dennis Rodman, American basketball player
Dennis Hopper, American actor and filmmaker
Dennis Bergkamp, Dutch footballer
Dennis DeYoung, American singer-songwriter (Styx)

Nicknames & Short Forms

Denny

Dennis in different fonts

DennisDancing Script

DennisCaveat

DennisSatisfy

DennisPacifico

DennisGreat Vibes

Sibling Name Style

If you like Dennis, you might also like names with these styles:

Classic

Traditional

Found in these lists

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Medieval Names

Filipino Boy Names

El Salvador Boy Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Dennis

What does Dennis mean?

Dennis means "Follower of Dionysus". It is derived from Greek.

What is the origin of Dennis?

Dennis originates from Ancient Greek. Its cultural origin is Greek.

Is Dennis a male or female name?

Dennis is a male name.

How do you pronounce Dennis?

Dennis is pronounced "DEN-is".

What language does Dennis come from?

Dennis comes from Ancient Greek.

Is Dennis a popular name?

Dennis is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is declining.

What are variants of Dennis?

Variants of Dennis include Denis, Dionysius, Denys.

What are nicknames for Dennis?

Common nicknames for Dennis include Denny.

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