Denny is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Donnghaile. This surname means "descendant of Donnghal," with Donnghal being an ancient Irish personal name that means "brown valour." The name Denny is often used as both a given name and a surname.
The history of the name Denny can be traced back to medieval Ireland, where it was used as a clan name. The Ó Donnghaile clan was prominent in County Tyrone, particularly around the area known as Derrygonnelly. Over time, the name evolved from Ó Donnghaile to O'Donnell and eventually to its anglicized form, Denny.
In some cases, Denny may also have English origins, as it can be derived from the Middle English word "denny," which means "valley." However, this usage is less common than the Irish derivation.
Today, Denny is a unisex name that can be found in various cultures around the world. While it is more commonly associated with Irish heritage, its meaning of "brown valour" makes it a appealing choice for parents seeking a strong and distinctive name for their child. Despite its historic roots, Denny remains a modern and relevant name option, suitable for both boys and girls.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Denny in the United States, we can observe several trends and patterns.
From 1926 to 1938, the number of births with the name Denny varied between a low of 5 births in 1941 and a high of 8 births in both 1926 and 1934. However, starting from 1939 onwards, there was an increase in the number of births with the name Denny.
The years 1950 to 1960 saw a steady growth in the popularity of the name Denny, with a significant peak of 16 births in 1959. This trend continued into the early 1970s, with another peak of 17 births in 1976.
However, from the mid-1970s onwards, there was a decline in the popularity of the name Denny. From 1982 to 2020, the number of births with the name Denny fluctuated between a low of 5 births and a high of 7 births per year.
Overall, based on these statistics, we can conclude that the name Denny has had varying degrees of popularity in the United States over the years. It experienced its peak popularity during the late 1950s to early 1970s but has since seen a decline in its usage as a baby name.