Holding steady, #1,166 for boys today.
Popularity of Denzel since 1906
Babies named Denzel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 155 |
| 1920s | 265 |
| 1930s | 202 |
| 1940s | 154 |
| 1950s | 123 |
| 1960s | 68 |
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 248 |
| 1990s | 5,453 |
| 2000s | 2,121 |
| 2010s | 1,826 |
| 2020s | 1,086 |
Meaning & origin
Denzel is a name of Cornish origin that entered the mainstream American consciousness largely through the celebrated actor Denzel Washington. First recorded as a given name in the United States in 1906, it saw a dramatic surge in popularity following Washington's rise to fame, reaching its peak at rank 1166 in 1993, when 1 in 9650 boys received the name. The name's trajectory has since remained stable, with notable concentration in states such as Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Its spelling variants include Denzell and Denzil, though the two-L form remains the most recognized. As a modern classic, Denzel balances a strong, distinctive sound with a clear cultural touchstone, making it a lasting choice for parents seeking a name with both heritage and contemporary appeal.
Denzel originated as a Cornish surname, likely derived from a place name. The meaning is often given as 'fortress' or 'high hill'. The name gained popularity as a given name in the United States after the actor Denzel Washington rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Its peak year of usage in the U.S. was 1993.
Where Denzel 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.
“Denzel” around the world
Where Denzel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Denny, Zel
Sibling names for Denzel
Names that share Denzel's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Denzel
Names whose popularity has moved with Denzel's over the last 50 years.
