Denis is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Greek name Dennis or Dionysius. The meaning of Denis is "follower of Dionysus," with Dionysus being the god of wine and pleasure in Greek mythology.
The name Denis has a long history, dating back to ancient times. One of the most famous figures named Denis was Saint Denis, who was a Christian martyr and the first bishop of Paris. According to legend, after his execution in the 3rd century, Saint Denis picked up his decapitated head and walked six miles to his burial place. This image has become a symbol of the city of Paris, which is often depicted with three crowns on its coat of arms to represent Saint Denis and his two companions who were also martyred.
The name Denis has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. In France, it was one of the most common names during the Middle Ages. In England, Denis was a popular name among royalty, with several kings named Dennis or Denis. Today, the name Denis is still used in many countries around the world, with variations such as Dionisio in Spanish-speaking countries and Denys in Wales.
Overall, the name Denis has a rich history and cultural significance that spans centuries and continents. Its meaning as a "follower of Dionysus" adds an intriguing element to its origin story, while its association with Saint Denis lends it a sense of religious importance and tradition.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trends of babies named Denis born in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
The first notable observation is that the number of births with the name Denis varied significantly over time. From 1880 to around 1960, the annual births ranged between 5 and 618, with a steady increase observed during this period.
Between 1960 and 1970, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Denis, dropping from approximately 300 births per year to around 200 births. This trend continued into the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the annual births fluctuating between 86 and 134.
However, since the mid-1980s, there has been a slight increase in the number of babies named Denis born each year. From around 1985 to 2000, the annual births hovered between 90 and 158. There was another small decline observed from 2000 to 2005, with the annual births ranging between approximately 88 and 146.
From 2006 onwards, the number of babies named Denis born each year remained relatively stable, fluctuating between around 90 and 158 births per year. The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were 113 births with the name Denis in the United States.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Denis has varied over time, it appears to have maintained a consistent level of usage in recent years, with an average of around 100-150 babies named Denis born annually in the United States.