Find out how popular the first name Dene has been for the last 26 years (from 1975 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dene by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Dene is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Dene being female.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dene.

The history of the first name Dene

The name Dene originates from Old English, tracing its roots back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the word "denu," meaning "valley" or "valley-dweller." The name was initially prevalent among the Anglo-Saxon population in England and was often used to describe individuals who resided in or near valleys.

In ancient texts, the name Dene appears in various forms, such as "Dæne" and "Dæne-mann." One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The Domesday Book mentions several individuals with the name Dene, indicating its widespread use during that period.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Dene. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Dene of Winchester (c. 1030 - c. 1100), an Anglo-Norman monk and scholar who contributed significantly to the field of mathematics and astronomy.

Another prominent figure was Dene Marbanach (c. 1200 - c. 1270), an Irish poet and storyteller renowned for his skills in preserving and transmitting traditional Irish tales and legends. His works played a crucial role in preserving Irish cultural heritage during a period of turmoil and change.

In the 14th century, Dene Ingram (c. 1325 - c. 1390), an English merchant and diplomat, gained fame for his role in facilitating trade relations between England and the Hanseatic League, a powerful commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and towns in Northern Europe.

During the Renaissance period, Dene Erasmus (1466 - 1536), a Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and social critic, made significant contributions to the field of education and theology. His writings and teachings influenced many intellectuals of his time and played a crucial role in shaping the ideals of the Protestant Reformation.

In more recent times, Dene Hill (1907 - 1995), an American actor and screenwriter, gained recognition for his work in Hollywood during the golden age of cinema. He was known for his roles in several classic films and his contributions to the screenwriting of notable productions.

While the name Dene has its origins in Old English and Anglo-Saxon culture, it has been adopted and used across various regions and cultures over the centuries, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dene was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dene, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!