A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Denson since 1912
Babies named Denson per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Denson's real moment was 1918.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 44 |
| 1920s | 85 |
| 1930s | 67 |
| 1940s | 59 |
| 1950s | 56 |
| 1960s | 34 |
| 1970s | 23 |
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 15 |
| 2000s | 7 |
| 2010s | 22 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Denson is a rare American given name that originated as a surname. First recorded in 1912, it peaked in usage in 1918, during a time when patronymic surnames were commonly adopted as first names. After decades of infrequent use, Denson has shown signs of revival since 2022, aligning with a broader trend of resurrecting early 20th-century names. While it never cracked the top 1000 rankings, its consistent if sparse usage over the past century reflects a quiet endurance. The name carries a straightforward, sturdy feel, and its recent uptick suggests a new generation of parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names with historical roots.
Denson is an English patronymic surname derived from the given name Dennis, which itself comes from the Greek name Dionysios, meaning 'follower of Dionysos'. As a given name, Denson emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in the United States. It peaked in usage in 1918 and has seen a modest revival since 2022.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Denny, Den
Sibling names for Denson
Names that share Denson's style, for a brother or sister.
