Deniz first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Deniz has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Deniz

A gender-neutral Turkish name meaning "sea" or "ocean".

Popularity of Deniz by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Deniz is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 58% of people named Deniz being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 53 male babies and 26 female babies born with the name Deniz.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 53 26
2022 33 20
2021 32 24
2020 32 48
2019 58 28
2018 54 25
2017 52 32
2016 56 31
2015 39 23
2014 43 25
2013 30 20
2012 34 14
2011 38 8
2010 32 20
2009 31 11
2008 39 15
2007 30 23
2006 26 17
2005 34 25
2004 28 17
2003 27 17
2002 33 17
2001 22 24
2000 20 16
1999 15 14
1998 15 23
1997 11 15
1996 20 19
1995 13 10
1994 18 9
1993 10 14
1992 12 15
1991 12 18
1990 18 15
1989 13 14
1988 9 13
1987 11 9
1986 8 21
1985 10 12
1984 7 18
1983 7 9
1982 7 9
1981 5 5
1980 0 6
1979 6 6
1978 9 0
1977 0 7
1974 0 5

The history of the first name Deniz

The name Deniz has its origins in the Turkish language, where it means "sea" or "ocean." This name's history can be traced back to the Turkic peoples of Central Asia, who had a strong maritime tradition and a deep connection with the vast bodies of water in the region.

In ancient times, the name Deniz was likely used to honor the sea's power and majesty, as well as its role as a source of sustenance and a pathway for exploration and trade. The name's association with the sea also reflects the importance of water in the arid regions where the Turkic peoples lived.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Deniz can be found in the Divan-i Lügat-it Türk, a renowned 11th-century dictionary of Turkic languages compiled by the scholar Mahmud al-Kashgari. This work provides valuable insight into the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Deniz. One prominent example is Deniz Gezmis (1947-1972), a Turkish revolutionary and activist who was executed for his involvement in an attempted coup against the government. His name and legacy continue to resonate among those advocating for social and political change in Turkey.

Another figure of note is Deniz Zeyrek (born 1976), a Turkish actress and television personality known for her roles in popular TV series and films. Her talent and charisma have made her a household name in Turkey and among Turkish communities worldwide.

In the realm of sports, Deniz Naki (born 1989) stands out as a Turkish professional footballer who has played for several clubs in Turkey and abroad. His athletic prowess and dedication to his craft have earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.

Deniz Akkaya (born 1977) is a Turkish writer and journalist whose works have explored themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of modern life. Her insightful and thought-provoking writings have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal readership.

Lastly, Deniz Koyu (born 1984) is a Turkish-German DJ and record producer who has made a significant impact on the electronic dance music scene. His innovative sound and energetic performances have earned him a dedicated following and numerous accolades within the industry.

These are just a few examples of the individuals who have carried the name Deniz throughout history, each making their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage associated with this name.

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

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

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"Deniz first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 12, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/deniz-meaning-and-history/.

"Deniz first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/deniz-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 12 May, 2025

Deniz first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/deniz-meaning-and-history/.

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