Denali is a unique and striking name of Inuit origin. It is derived from the native word "Dena'ina," which translates to "the people" in English. The Dena'ina are an Indigenous people who historically inhabited the area around the Denali Mountains in Alaska, United States.
The name Denali has a rich history tied to the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range. Mount McKinley, once the tallest mountain in North America and now known by its traditional Athabascan name Denali, towers above the surrounding landscape at approximately 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). The name Denali was officially restored to the mountain in 2015 after much advocacy from Alaska's citizens.
In terms of its meaning and significance, Denali carries a deep connection to community, heritage, and the natural world. As it signifies "the people," it evokes notions of unity, strength, and resilience, qualities that are reflected in both the Dena'ina culture and the awe-inspiring Alaska Range itself.
Choosing Denali as a name is a powerful statement, nodding to the beauty and majesty of nature while celebrating cultural heritage. It is a strong, distinctive name that stands out yet maintains deep roots in history and tradition.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the use of the name Denali in the United States from 1994 to 2023.
From 1994 to around 2007, the number of babies named Denali remained relatively low, fluctuating between 5 and 26 births per year. However, starting in 2008, there was a notable increase in its popularity. Between 2008 and 2013, the annual birth count for Denali more than doubled, from 22 to 110.
The peak popularity of the name occurred between 2014 and 2023. During this period, Denali's annual birth count consistently surpassed 20 births, with a significant surge starting in 2019. From 2019 to 2023, the number of babies named Denali increased by over 140%, from 28 to 67 births.
Overall, between 1994 and 2023, there were a total of 629 babies born in the United States with the name Denali. This shows that while it was not an extremely popular choice during the early years, Denali has since gained significant traction among parents naming their newborns.