What Does the Name Dennis Mean?
Dennis is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning “follower of Dionysus.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Dennis |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | follower of Dionysus |
| Variants | Denis, Dionysius, Denys, Dion, Dennison |
| Popularity | A US top-30 name from the 1940s through the 1960s; it has steadily declined since. |
The meaning and origin of Dennis
The name Dennis means “follower of Dionysus” and has Greek origins. Dennis derives from the Greco-Roman name Dionysius, meaning 'follower of Dionysus,' the Greek god of wine. The name was common in medieval France and brought to England by the Normans, later settling into the English spelling Dennis.
Variants and related names
Dennis is related to several other names you may recognize: Denis, Dionysius, Denys, Dion, Dennison. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Dennis?
A US top-30 name from the 1940s through the 1960s; it has steadily declined since.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dennis mean?+
The name Dennis means “follower of Dionysus” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Dennis?+
Dennis originates from Greek.
Is Dennis a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Dennis has trended in the US over time.
Dennis by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press