Declining since 1999, #3,240 for boys today.
Popularity of Deontae since 1976
Babies named Deontae per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 330 |
| 1990s | 1,303 |
| 2000s | 1,125 |
| 2010s | 649 |
| 2020s | 262 |
Meaning & origin
Deontae entered the U.S. naming pool in 1976, riding a wave of invented De- names that became popular among African American families. It reached its peak rank of 3,240 in 1999, with approximately 1 in 47,447 boys receiving the name in 2025. The name has been falling in use since its peak, reflecting a broader shift away from early 1990s naming styles. Georgia (GA) recorded the highest concentration of Deontae births, aligning with the name's Southern roots. Though lacking a traditional etymology, Deontae fits into a family of names like DeAndre and Deonte that combine distinct syllables to create a modern, rhythmic sound.
Deontae is a modern American coinage, first recorded in the 1970s. It follows a pattern of invented names beginning with De- (often derived from French or Spanish surnames) and ending with a stylized -tae or -tay. The name gained modest popularity in the 1990s, particularly in the southern United States, and is sometimes considered a variant of Deonte or Deontay.
Where Deontae is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Deon, Tae, Dae
Sibling names for Deontae
Names that share Deontae's style, for a brother or sister.
