Dean
Meaning of Dean
The name Dean is a classic choice for boys, rooted in English origin. It traditionally means "valley" or "church official," reflecting its use in historical and ecclesiastical contexts. Pronounced as "deen" (/diːn/), the name has maintained a steady presence in baby name rankings over the years, particularly in the United States. Dean saw its peak popularity during the mid-20th century, especially in the 1960s when it consistently ranked within the top 100 names. Notable variations include Deane and Dane, offering slight twists on this timeless name. Associations with cultural icons like James Dean, an emblematic figure of youthful rebellion in American cinema, have cemented its cool and enduring appeal. In recent years, Dean continues to be a favored choice among parents, maintaining a respectable rank around 159th place as of 2023. This name's simplicity and strong heritage make it a versatile option that stands the test of time.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as deen (/diːn/)
American English
- Pronunced as deen (/din/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Dean
| Dean Paul Martin was a renowned American singer, actor, and comedian, known as "The King of Cool" and gained fame through his partnership with Jerry Lewis as Martin and Lewis in the mid-20th century. |
| Dean Edwards Smith was a highly successful American men's college basketball head coach, known for his 36-year tenure at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during which he achieved numerous victories and led the team to two national championships and 11 Final Fours. |
| Dean Smith is an English professional football manager and former player currently serving as the head coach of Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC. |
| Dean Bradley Henderson is an English professional footballer and goalkeeper for Crystal Palace and the England national team. |
| Robert Dean Stockwell was an American actor known for his seven-decade career in film and theater, with notable roles in movies such as Anchors Aweigh, Gentleman's Agreement, and Long Day's Journey into Night. |
| Dean Laurence Kiely is a former professional footballer and current goalkeeping coach at Premier League club Crystal Palace and the Republic of Ireland national team. |
| Dean Ray Koontz is a prolific American author known for his suspense thrillers that often blend elements of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and mystery, with many of his books reaching the number-one position on The New York Times Best Seller list. |
| Dean George Cain is an American actor known for his role as Clark Kent/Superman in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and for hosting Ripley's Believe It or Not! |
| Dean Carroll Jones was an American actor best known for his roles in classic Disney films such as The Love Bug and That Darn Cat! |
| Dean Ivor Richards was an English professional footballer known for his career as a defender, playing for clubs such as Bradford City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur, and making four appearances for England under-21s. |
| Dean Gaffney is an English actor famous for his role as Robbie Jackson on EastEnders and for competing on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! |
| Dean Joseph Norris is a well-known American actor, famous for his roles in Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Under the Dome, and Claws, with an extensive career in both movies and TV shows. |
| Dean Paul Martin Jr. was an American pop singer, actor, and member of the California Air National Guard, known as the son of the famous entertainer Dean Martin. |
| Dean Obeidallah is an American lawyer, comedian, and journalist known for hosting The Dean Obeidallah Show on SiriusXM Progress and contributing to CNN, The Daily Beast, and MSNBC. |
| Dean Lance O'Gorman is a multi-talented New Zealand actor, artist, and photographer known for his roles in The Hobbit trilogy, The Almighty Johnsons, and his portrayal of Kirk Douglas in Trumbo (2015). |
