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.
The name Denis experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were fewer than 10 births per year, with some years seeing as few as 5 births. However, post-WWII, there was a notable increase, with over 200 births every year from 1946 to 1968. The popularity of the name peaked in 1952 with 618 births. After this peak, the number of births steadily declined, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 88 births in 2016 and 92 in 2021. Overall, there were a total of 20,530 births named Denis from 1880 to 2022.