Find out how popular the first name Denilson has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Denilson by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Denilson is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Denilson.

The history of the first name Denilson

The given name Denilson originated from the Portuguese language and culture. It is a combination of the prefix "de-" meaning "from" or "belonging to" and the name "Nilson," which is derived from the Scandinavian name "Nilsson" meaning "son of Neil." The name Denilson gained prominence in Portugal during the medieval period, particularly among the nobility and upper class.

In the 15th century, the name Denilson appeared in several historical records and documents related to the Portuguese exploration and colonization efforts. One notable figure was Denilson de Sousa, a Portuguese navigator who accompanied Vasco da Gama on his voyage to India in 1498. De Sousa played a crucial role in establishing trade routes and establishing Portuguese settlements in the Indian subcontinent.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the name Denilson spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas through Portuguese migration and colonial expansion. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name in the Americas was Denilson Fernandez, a Portuguese settler who arrived in Brazil in the mid-16th century and became a prominent landowner and farmer.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Denilson. One of the most famous was Denilson de Oliveira Araújo (born 1976), a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like São Paulo, Barcelona, and the Brazilian national team. He was part of the Brazilian team that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Another notable figure was Denilson Pereira Neves (1915-1986), a Brazilian novelist and short story writer known for his works that explored the lives of the working class and the struggle for social justice. His novel "O Último Caudilho" (The Last Caudillo) is considered a classic of Brazilian literature.

In the field of music, Denilson Martins Nascimento (born 1985), known professionally as Denilson Martins, is a Brazilian singer and songwriter who has released several successful albums and has been recognized with various music awards in Brazil.

Denilson Chirichigno (born 1979) is a Peruvian actor and television host who has appeared in numerous telenovelas and films, both in Peru and internationally. He is known for his roles in productions like "Dueños del Paraíso" and "Mi Amor, el Wachimán."

Lastly, Denilson de Oliveira Araújo (born 1988), a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder, has represented clubs like São Paulo, Flamengo, and the Brazilian national team. He was part of the Brazilian squad that won the 2016 Olympic gold medal in football.

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 Denilson was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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