Dennis

The male first name Dennis is the English form of Denis, the French form of Dionysius. The name means 'the one dedicated to Dionysus' and traces back to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility.

What does the name Dennis mean?

The male first name Dennis is the English form of Denis, the French form of Dionysius. The name means 'the one dedicated to Dionysus' and traces back to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility. Dennis is popular not only in English-speaking countries but is also frequently used as a first name in the Netherlands and in Germany since the 1980s. The name Dennis owes its spread to the veneration of Saint Denis of Paris (French: Denis de Paris), who was appointed the first bishop of Paris in the 3rd century AD and is known in France as 'Saint Denis.' He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Numerous places are named in his honor, foremost among them the French city 'Saint-Denis' with its historic cathedral. Notable bearers of the name include American actor Dennis Hopper, basketball players Dennis Johnson, Dennis Rodman, and Dennis Schröder, as well as former German football player Dennis Aago. Direct variants of Dennis include Denes (Hungarian) and Denys (Ukrainian). Other first names derived from the name of the god Dionysus include Dion, Dionisio, Dionys, Dyon, and Nies.

Where does the name Dennis come from?

Etymology The origin of the first name Dennis lies in the name of the god Dionysus. The Greek god of wine and fertility was the son of Zeus. His name is composed of the ancient Greek Diós ('of Zeus') and Nýsa, the name of Dionysus's birthplace.

How do you pronounce Dennis?

Sound & pronunciation of Dennis: The name Dennis is two syllables and rhythmically closed. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Den-nis' [ˈdɛnɪs], with the doubling of the 'n' creating a denser middle. The short vowels give the name directness. Dennis appears lively and uncomplicated - modern, clear, and present.

When is the name day of Dennis?

The most important name days for Dennis are celebrated on October 3 (Dionysius Areopagita) and October 9 (Dionysius of Paris).

Popularity

The male first name Dennis was initially only modestly visible in Germany for many years, mostly remaining far outside the top ranks until the early 1970s. However, an exceptionally strong rise began thereafter, making Dennis one of the most prominent boys' names of its time within a few years. Its historical peak in Germany occurred from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.

Nicknames & pet names

Benis / Dannyboy / DeDe / Dedi / Demrich / Den / Dende / Dendo / Dendy / Deni / Denifer / Denise / Denjamin / Denjo / Denko / Denn / Denna / Dennasiano / Denne / Dennenis / Denni / Dennifen / Dennifer / Dennilein / Denniltz / Dennio / Dennisbennis / Denniskahba / Dennisovitch / Dennisschläger / Dennito / Dennj / Dennja / Dennji / Dennlin / Dennmen / Denno / Dennre / Denns / Dennus / Denny / Denny Cool / Deno / Dense / Densi / Densis / Dente / Denus / Denuse / Deny / Denyo / Deo / Deschlo / Dete / Diggelie / Dinnes / Dinzi / DonDenno / Drinnies / Dän / Dänny / Dänny mit Ä / Döner / Dönis / Dönnis / McDennifen / Nessi / Nisse / Tennis / Tinnes

Similar first names

Famous people

• Dennis (character) (character from the series 'Dennis & Fletcher - Blämtastisch!')
• Dennis Aago (footballer)
• Dennis Alexio (American actor and kickboxer)
• Dennis Bardens (British writer)
• Dennis Byrd (American football player)
• Dennis Crane (American football player)
• Dennis Diekmeier (footballer)
• Dennis Dieks (Dutch physicist)
• Dennis Drew (American musician)
• Dennis Erdmann (German football player)
• Dennis Everberg (Swedish ice hockey player)
• Dennis Frederiksen (American musician)
• Dennis Fryzell (American football player)
• Dennis Gansel (German director and screenwriter)
• Dennis Gersdorf (German football player)
• Dennis Hamley (British writer)
• Dennis Harrison (American football player)
• Dennis Hediger (Swiss football player)
• Dennis Hopper (actor)
• Dennis Huntley (British artist)