Declining since 1985, #1,673 for girls today.
Popularity of Denise since 1882
Babies named Denise per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 |
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 58 |
| 1910s | 203 |
| 1920s | 633 |
| 1930s | 1,646 |
| 1940s | 10,105 |
| 1950s | 123,783 |
| 1960s | 128,824 |
| 1970s | 55,868 |
| 1980s | 25,113 |
| 1990s | 13,747 |
| 2000s | 9,062 |
| 2010s | 3,319 |
| 2020s | 1,043 |
Meaning & origin
Denise is a classic feminine name with French origins, derived from the masculine Denis and ultimately from the Greek Dionysios. It became widely used in the United States during the mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in 1964. Since 1985, however, its usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, the name ranks 1673, with approximately 1 in 13,067 girls receiving it. Denise has been particularly favored in states like California, Tennessee, and New York. Despite its recent rarity, it remains a recognizable and enduring choice with a soft, sophisticated sound.
Denise is the feminine form of Denis, which derives from the Greek name Dionysios, meaning 'follower of Dionysus.' The name was borne by a 3rd-century Christian saint (Denis of Paris), who is the patron saint of France. It became common in the English-speaking world in the early 20th century, reflecting French influence.
Where Denise is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Denise” around the world
Where Denise lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Deni, Nisey, Dee
Sibling names for Denise
Names that share Denise's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sandra, Carla, Carol, Linda, Darlene, Annette, Jeannine, Michele, Michelle, Paulette, Valerie, Yvonne, Caryn, Charleen, Charmaine, Deanne, Dionne, Janeen, Janine, Jeanine, Julieann, Laureen, Sharla, Alaine, Charise, Dawne, Detra, Janiece, Janise, Jenise, Katrice, Laurene, Sherell, Sherice, Sherita, Sherrell, Yolonda, Charese, Charlynn, Charmain, Charmane, Cherese, Cherice, Danice, Dawnelle, Deniece, Denitra, Donice, Genese, Genice, Genine, Janece, Janese, Jenean, Jenene, Lavette, Lenise, Mechele, Sharise, Sherese, Sheria, Sherine, Sherrice, Shirelle, Suzzanne, Trenise, Yulonda, Arlicia, Charlayne, Charnice, Chenise, Cherell, Conswella, Delise, Delonda, Deneise, Denyce, Detrice, Donise, Jeanean, Jeaninne, Jenice, Jennice, Lanice, Latonda, Marlise, Monice, Sharnette, Sherisse, Sheritta, Stephene, Stephenia, Yalanda, Cherisa, Chermaine, Petrice, Annjanette, Chalene, Charrise, Chereese, Cheris, Darlisa, Darnice, Denessa, Denina, Jamice, Jenese, Jennise, Jeriann, Jheri, Kenise, Lanise, Marcele, Marchele, Mischell, Patrese, Patryce, Renise, Sharnell, Shelie, Tenise, Tracyann, Trenace, Trenice, Treniece
Brothers: Donald, Ronald, Gerald, Kenneth, Brian, Daryl, Duane, Lamont, Terrance, Darcel, Darryll, Dawayne, Detrick, Davone, Daymond, Denard, Detric, Dewon, Donathan, Gerrell, Michon, Rondale, Shermaine, Darryle, Deano, Deeric, Deddrick
Names like Denise
Names whose popularity has moved with Denise's over the last 50 years.
