The name Dante, of Italian origin, is derived from the Latin word 'dantis', meaning 'of the teeth' or 'of the day'. It is believed to have been a popular given name in ancient Rome, often used for infants born during daylight hours. The name gained significant prominence through the renowned Italian poet and philosopher Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), whose epic poem 'The Divine Comedy' is considered one of the greatest works of world literature. Despite its origins, Dante has not traditionally been among the most common names in English-speaking countries but has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. In terms of its usage today, Dante is used as both a first name and a middle name, often favored for its distinctive sound and historic significance. It is also sometimes spelled 'Dante', reflecting the Italian pronunciation.
The popularity of the name Dante has seen fluctuations over time. In 2008, there were 6 babies named Dante, but this number decreased significantly by 2017 with only 5 births that year. However, there was a slight resurgence in 2023 with another 5 births. Altogether, between these three years, there have been a total of 16 children named Dante.