Declining since 1985, #2,451 for boys today.
Popularity of Dewayne since 1912
Babies named Dewayne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 185 |
| 1920s | 675 |
| 1930s | 1,348 |
| 1940s | 1,847 |
| 1950s | 3,396 |
| 1960s | 5,876 |
| 1970s | 4,939 |
| 1980s | 3,339 |
| 1990s | 1,983 |
| 2000s | 1,556 |
| 2010s | 1,026 |
| 2020s | 321 |
Meaning & origin
Dewayne is a distinctly American name, a blend of the prefix De- and the classic Wayne. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1912 and saw its greatest popularity in 1966, when it reached its highest rank. Since 1985, however, its usage has been steadily declining, though it remains familiar in certain regions, with Oklahoma and Texas among its top states. In 2025, the name was given to a modest number of boys nationwide, about 1 in every 31,056 newborns. Dewayne exemplifies a mid-century naming trend for decorative prefixes, yet has not experienced a revival in recent decades. Its sound and structure evoke a bygone era, making it a more traditional choice for parents seeking a name with a strong, familiar feel.
Dewayne is a modern coinage formed by adding the decorative prefix De- to the established name Wayne. Wayne derives from an English occupational surname for a wagon maker or driver, from Old English wægn 'wagon'. The name emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, gaining popularity particularly in the 1950s and 1960s following the fame of actor John Wayne.
Where Dewayne 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dew, Wayne
Sibling names for Dewayne
Names that share Dewayne's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Lynette, Tammy, Brenda, Darlene, Melinda, Latasha, Dawanna, Dewanda, Dewanna, Towana, Chenita, Ladonya, Lashonta, Makeisha, Sharece, Decarla, Lasharon, Lewanda
Brothers: Dennis, Terry, Larry, Jerry, Daryl, Demario, Lamont, Tyshawn, Demichael, Laray, Lawayne, Lavoris, Antwion, Dondrell, Letroy
Names like Dewayne
Names whose popularity has moved with Dewayne's over the last 50 years.
