Denis
Meaning of Denis
Denis is a male name with origins in both English and French. In English, it is pronounced as DEN-iss (/ˈdɛnɪs/), while in French, it is pronounced as duh-NEE (/dəˈni/). The name Denis has variations such as Dennis.
Over the years, Denis has maintained a moderate level of popularity in the United States. In recent years, it has been given to around 90 to 120 baby boys annually. However, its popularity has fluctuated over time, peaking in the 1970s when it ranked within the top 200 names for newborn boys. While not as commonly used today, Denis still holds a sense of timeless charm and sophistication.
The associations with the name Denis are diverse. It is derived from Dionysius, which was the Greek god of wine and revelry. As such, Denis can be associated with celebrations, joyfulness, and an appreciation for life's pleasures. Additionally, Denis is a name that carries historical significance. Saint Denis was a patron saint of France known for his martyrdom during Roman times. This association adds a touch of religious symbolism and reverence to the name.
Overall, if you're looking for a classic yet distinctive name for your baby boy, Denis could be an excellent choice with its rich history and cultural significance.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as DEN-iss (/ˈdɛnɪs/)
French
- Pronunced as duh-NEE (/dəˈni/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Denis
| Denis Diderot was a prominent French philosopher, art critic, and writer, best known for his role in co-founding and contributing to the Encyclopédie during the Age of Enlightenment. |
| Denis Yurievich Ten was a highly accomplished Kazakhstani figure skater, known for winning the 2014 Olympic bronze medal and achieving multiple other prestigious titles throughout his career. |
| Denis Theodore Goldberg was a South African anti-apartheid activist and key figure in the struggle against apartheid, who was imprisoned for 22 years and continued to campaign against apartheid until his passing in 2020. |
| Denis Colin Leary is an American actor and comedian known for his stand-up comedy and roles in films and television. |
| Denis Mukwege is a Congolese gynecologist and Pentecostal pastor known for his work in treating women who have been victims of sexual violence, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. |
| Denis Compton - Denis Charles Scott Compton was a versatile English sportsman known for his career in cricket and football. |
| Denis Villeneuve is a Canadian filmmaker known for his award-winning work, including Maelström, Polytechnique, Incendies, and Enemy. |
| Joseph Denis Irwin is an Irish former professional footballer and sports television presenter. |
| Denis MacEoin - Denis M. MacEoin was a British academic, scholar, and writer known for his work in Persian, Arabic, and Islamic studies, as well as his contributions to journalism and current events essays with a Middle Eastern focus. |
| Denis Laurence Dutton was an American philosopher, web entrepreneur, and media activist known for his work as a professor of philosophy and co-founding several influential websites. |
| Denis Richard McDonough is the current United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President Joe Biden. |
| Denis Drăguș - Denis Mihai Drăguș is a Romanian professional footballer currently playing as a forward for Süper Lig club Gaziantep, on loan from Belgian Pro League club Standard Liège. |
| Sir Denis Eric Rooke was an English industrialist and engineer. |
| Denis Greenhill, Baron Greenhill of Harrow - Denis Arthur Greenhill, Baron Greenhill of Harrow, was a prominent British diplomat and civil servant who played a key role in shaping Britain's postwar foreign policy, but was also criticized for his treatment of the Chagos Islanders. |
| Denis Rolleston Gwynn (1893–1973) was an Irish journalist, writer, and professor of modern Irish history who also served in the British Army during World War I. |
