Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Dennis

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      Devotee of Dionysos

      Variations 
      Dennise, Dennison, Denisa

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Dennis has its origins in English and is derived from the Greek name Dionysios, which means devotee of Dionysos. Dionysos was the Greek god of wine, revelry, and fertility. The name was first introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century and quickly gained popularity. Throughout history, the name Dennis has been found in various forms and has been used by individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

      In ancient times, Dionysos was worshipped as a major deity in Greece, and his devotees were known by variations of his name. As the name Dennis made its way to England, it acquired its own unique spelling and pronunciation. Over the centuries, individuals named Dennis have left their mark in history. From Dennis the Short, an influential leader in the Battle of Hastings, to Dennis Ritchie, a computer scientist who co-created the UNIX operating system, the name has been associated with individuals who excelled in their respective fields.

      In modern-day usage, the name Dennis continues to be popular, not only in English-speaking countries but also across the globe. Its versatility and familiarity have contributed to its widespread adoption. From actors like Dennis Quaid and Dennis Hopper to athletes like Dennis Rodman and Dennis Bergkamp, the name Dennis has been embraced by individuals in various professions. Its timeless appeal and connection to Greek mythology ensure that the name Dennis will continue to remain prominent in history and remain a popular choice for parents seeking a strong and significant name for their child.
      Based on our records...
      This is the ,[object Object], surname, spouse name and child name associated with Dennis.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Dennis.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Dennis.

      Mary

      is the most common child name for Dennis.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1947 is when there were the most people born with the first name Dennis.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.