Denise is a feminine given name of French origin. It means "follower" or "devoted to God." The name Denise is derived from the male French name Denis, which comes from the Latin word "Dionysius," meaning "follower of Dionysus," the Greek god of wine and fertility.
Denise was first used as a female name in France during the Middle Ages. However, it did not become popular until the 20th century. Today, Denise is still considered a traditional French name but has also gained popularity in other countries such as England, Canada, and Australia.
Some famous people named Denise include American singer-songwriter Denise Richards, Canadian actress Denise Pelley, and British writer Denise Mina. Despite its long history, Denise remains relatively uncommon compared to other feminine names, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique name with French roots and meaning.
The given statistics provide a snapshot of the popularity of the name Denise over two decades in the United States. Here's a breakdown:
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Denise was a popular choice for parents. In 1968, there were 6 births with the name Denise. The following year, its popularity increased slightly to 8 births in 1969. However, by 1985, the popularity of the name had decreased, with only 5 births that year.
Overall, between 1968 and 1985, there were a total of 19 births with the name Denise in the United States. This shows a decline in popularity over this period, from a peak in the late 1960s to a lower figure nearly two decades later.