Is Denny a boy's or girl's name?

Denny is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 402 recorded births.

When was Denny most popular?

Denny reached its peak popularity in 1947 with 440 births that year. It is currently ranked #4444 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Denny?

Denny is currently ranked #4444 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 15,391 babies since 1889.

Denny

An uncommon Greek pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsGreekRising fast Also a pet name

#4444▼ 714in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A diminutive of the male given names Denis or Dennis.

Denny is a boy's and girl's baby name of Greek origin, a diminutive of Dennis, derived from Dionysius — the Greek god of wine, revelry, and theater. Dennis was the name of early Christian martyrs, and Saint Dennis became the patron saint of France.

Denny carries the friendly, unpretentious warmth of a classic nickname-name — the kind that feels like a firm handshake and a smile. It peaked in mid-20th century America and carries a retro, reliable charm.

Compare Denny with another name

Popularity Over Time

Denny was #1735 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #4444, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Denny
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	128	#4214	▼
2010s	439	#2870	▼
2000s	707	#1841	▼
1990s	895	#1251	▼
1980s	1,223	#828	▼
1970s	1,941	#595	▼
1960s	2,447	#499	—
1950s	2,693	#449	▼
1940s	3,011	#365	▲
1930s	1,250	#555	▲
1920s	458	#1083	▲
1910s	157	#1568	▲
1900s	26	#1203	▲
1890s	11	#1060	▲
1880s	5	#1006	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(122 years, 1889–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Denny
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	23	#4444	-7 (-23.3%)
2023	30	#3730	-2 (-6.3%)
2022	32	#3554	+6 (23.1%)
2021	26	#4038	+9 (52.9%)
2020	17	#5302	-15 (-46.9%)
2019	32	#3508	-2 (-5.9%)
2018	34	#3313	+1 (3.0%)
2017	33	#3396	+2 (6.5%)
2016	31	#3544	-17 (-35.4%)
2015	48	#2573	+4 (9.1%)
2014	44	#2720	0
2013	44	#2678	+2 (4.8%)
2012	42	#2831	-26 (-38.2%)
2011	68	#2008	+5 (7.9%)
2010	63	#2125	+13 (26.0%)
2009	50	#2535	-15 (-23.1%)
2008	65	#2106	-20 (-23.5%)
2007	85	#1747	+7 (9.0%)
2006	78	#1776	+10 (14.7%)
2005	68	#1872	-5 (-6.8%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Denny as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Denny has also been given to 402 girls in the U.S. since 1926.

Unranked

Current rank

402

Total births

1976

Peak year

Compare Denny as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Denny be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Denny is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #4444. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Denny has two lives

Denny, the baby name

#4444boys

15,391 babies

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1889–2024) · Methodology