Denise is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "Dignus," which means "worthy." The name Denise is also related to the French name Denis, which has the same meaning.
The name Denise gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages and was used primarily for girls born into wealthy or noble families. Over time, the name spread throughout Europe and became more common among the general population.
In literature, one of the earliest known references to the name Denise can be found in "Pantagruel," a novel by French writer François Rabelais, published in 1532. In this work, Denise is a character who accompanies the protagonist on his adventures.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Denise, including Denise Bombardier, a Canadian journalist and author, and Denise Houillon, a French film actress.
Overall, the name Denise has a long and rich history, with roots in Latin and French culture. Its meaning of "worthy" makes it a strong and respectable choice for a girl's name.
The given statistics show the annual birth rate of babies named Denise in the United States over a span of several decades. The data starts with five births in the year 1939 and peaks at fifty-six births in 1958, indicating that the name Denise gained popularity during this time period.
From 1958 onwards, there was a steady decrease in the number of babies named Denise each year until reaching a low point of nine births in 1977. This trend continued throughout most of the 1980s and 1990s, with an average of around fifteen to twenty-five births per year.
However, there was a slight increase in popularity during the early 2000s, with eleven births recorded in the year 2001. The most recent data available is from 2021, which saw five births named Denise, indicating that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it still remains a choice for some parents.
Overall, these statistics provide insights into the changing trends of naming babies Denise over time in the United States. It's interesting to note how cultural preferences can shift dramatically within just a few decades.