Denver is a unisex given name that originates from the English word "denizen," which means inhabitant or resident of a particular place. The name Denver itself is derived from an Old English word, "dene," meaning valley, and "ere," meaning stronghold or fortification.
The city of Denver, Colorado, is named after James W. Denver, who was the Kansas Territorial Governor at the time when the city was established in 1858. The city became a significant mining town during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, attracting prospectors from all over the country. As a result, the name Denver gained popularity as more people moved to the area and the city grew.
The name Denver has been used for both boys and girls since the mid-19th century but it became more popular in the late 20th century. In recent years, it has appeared more frequently on baby name lists due to its unisex nature and strong, modern sound. Some famous people with the given name Denver include Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, musician Denver Dalley of the band "The Garden," and actress Denver Williams.
In conclusion, the name Denver is derived from Old English words meaning valley and stronghold or fortification. It shares its name with the city of Denver, Colorado, which was named after James W. Denver, the Kansas Territorial Governor at the time of its founding. Today, Denver is used as a unisex given name that sounds strong and modern while still having historical roots.
The name Denver experienced a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with a noticeable spike beginning around the mid-1990s. While there were only a handful of births per year up until the late 1980s, since then, the number has consistently risen, reaching over 350 births annually by the early 2000s and continuing to rise until recently, with over 360 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 3547 births named Denver from 1913 to 2023.