Denim

Meaning & origin

Denim is a modern American word-name that entered U.S. birth records in 1973, inspired by the sturdy cotton fabric. For decades it remained extremely rare, but it has been climbing steadily since 1987 and reached its peak rank of 880 in 2025. That year, approximately 1 in every 6,303 newborns were named Denim, with the highest concentrations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia. The name's trajectory suggests it may continue to rise as part of a broader trend favoring material and color names. Parents choosing Denim often pair it with other nature- or earth-toned sibling names like Jade, Sage, or River. While still uncommon, Denim's gradual ascent reflects a modern preference for names that feel grounded and tactile.

Denim is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1973. It is almost certainly taken from the fabric name 'denim,' which itself derives from French 'serge de Nîmes' (serge from Nîmes). The name likely emerged as a fashionable word-name along with other fabric- or material-inspired names. Its use remains rare but has been gradually rising since the late 1980s.