A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Dean since 1880
Babies named Dean per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 132 |
| 1890s | 247 |
| 1900s | 381 |
| 1910s | 3,812 |
| 1920s | 11,155 |
| 1930s | 13,629 |
| 1940s | 16,356 |
| 1950s | 34,584 |
| 1960s | 42,527 |
| 1970s | 13,898 |
| 1980s | 8,059 |
| 1990s | 8,122 |
| 2000s | 8,035 |
| 2010s | 17,497 |
| 2020s | 14,496 |
Meaning & origin
Dean is a short, strong name with dual etymological roots: the Old English word for 'valley' and the Latin title 'decanus', originally meaning 'chief of ten' used for military and ecclesiastical leaders. The name gained popularity in theUnited States in the mid-20th century, reaching its peak rank of 1st in 1961. After declining from the 1970s through the 1990s, Dean has been rising again since 2003, reflecting a broader trend for classic, concise names. In the most recent year of data, it ranked 125th, with approximately 1 in 594 newborn boys receiving the name. Dean has been especially favored in states like South Dakota, New Hampshire, and Montana, suggesting a particular appeal in rural and northern regions. Its straightforward pronunciation and solid, masculine sound make it a consistent choice for parents seeking a name that feels both traditional and fresh.
Dean derives from the Old English word 'denu' meaning 'valley', and also from the Latin 'decanus' meaning 'chief of ten', the title for a church or academic official. It emerged as a surname before being adopted as a given name, likely a transferred use of the occupational or topographic surname. The name gained independent use in the 19th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Dean is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Dean” around the world
Where Dean lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Quebec
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dee
Variants: Deane
Sibling names for Dean
Names that share Dean's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sloan, Reese, Blair, Nora, Maeve, Faye, Kay, Lynn, Arleen, Blythe, Cher, Dawna, Deena, Dena, Desire, Dionne, Gay, Gaye, Gena, Jolene, Larraine, Leeann, Lin, Lyn, Merrie, Nadene, Trina, Chere, Dalene, Daneen, Dawne, Dede, Deeanna, Fonda, Gaylene, Kenda, Raeann, Raylene, Bernadean, Bretta, Cena, Coni, Dalana, Danella, Daun, Daylene, Deadra, Deatra, Deette, Dene, Denee, Deniece, Deona, Dewana, Diannia, Donice, Donnia, Dyann, Elese, Gae, Gaila, Gaile, Gayl, Genea, Geraldean, Jodean, Jodene, Jolena, Laural, Lauree, Leane, Melodye, Tauna, Terre, Tonna, Tyna, Valene, Willodean, Canda, Caralee, Chara, Dauna, Daune, Doreena, Dyna, Genee, Jenesys, Jolean, Larna, Lexine, Loann, Lyne, Mare, Marlane, Netha, Shell, Harlean, Nellene, Ayn, Charl, Daleen, Danean, Danine, Darene, Deanette, Deneane, Denina, Deyna, Dianca, Donda, Fayne, Geanine, Gelene, Genean, Jinna, Jolleen, Joreen, Julann, Lafaye, Lessa, Lind, Merleen, Reene, Ronne, Royann, Venda, Wrynn
Brothers: Grant, Clyde, Reid, Kirk, Orson, Cary, Dale, Daryl, Gene, Jay, Kent, Clark, Clint, Cort, Damone, Darl, Duke, Elvis, Gale, Garth, Layne, Rand, Thad, Val, Verne, Ward, Arlan, Castiel, Chan, Dawayne, Deane, Del, Dyan, Faron, Hale, Herb, Jr, Kaine, Ladd, Les, Rush, Shad, Torre, Vann, Wright, Byrl, Corde, Coye, Crist, Dade, Dail, Daman, Deno, Doni, Duan, Gates, Kem, Klint, Lang, Lenn, Leno, Lonn, Meade, Rohn, Tait, Wray, Yul, Avon, Carr, Council, Craven, Deone, Dyon, Gar, Gram, Griff, Hall, Kert, Kline, Rahn, Roth, Roye, Vin, Chrisean, Dannis, Carols, Chrys, Cohl, Cray, Dahl, Dare, Deanglo, Donney, Dorr, Mays, Mead, Nivin, Pratt, Raun, Rayman, Suan, Vane, Wen
Names like Dean
Names whose popularity has moved with Dean's over the last 50 years.
