Dewayne
Primarily a boy's name of American origin with 26,435 recorded births. Also given to 107 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Dewayne is a two-syllable boy's name with a open, approachable sound — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. Backed by 26,435 recorded U.S. births since 1912, it has a genuine footprint in American naming history.
In the most recent SSA release, Dewayne ranks #3107 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Dewayne is a boy's and girl's baby name of American origin, a creative blending of De- and Wayne, itself from the Old English wagon-maker's surname. With over 26,000 U.S. births, Dewayne was particularly popular in the mid-20th century African-American community, combining French elegance with American heritage.
EtymologyShow more
Dewayne is cataloged under the American naming tradition. Names from the American tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Dewayne has been recorded as a boy's name since 1912, with 26,435 total births. Browse the American names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Dewayne was #1048 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #3107, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 265 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 1,025 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 1,556 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 1,983 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 3,339 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 4,940 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 5,876 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 3,396 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 1,847 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 1,348 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 675 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 185 | — |
The Story of Dewayne
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1962, Dewayne is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Boys named Dewayne are most likely born between 1952 and 1972.
How rare is Dewayne?
Only about 1 in every 92,308 babies born in 2024 was named Dewayne — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1912, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1960s with 5,876 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Dewayne by the numbers
- More Dewaynes than the population of a small U.S. town
- Would fill 551 school buses
- Meeting one Dewayne per day would take 72.4 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(113 years, 1912–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 39 | #3107 |
| 2023 | 48 | #2703 |
| 2022 | 53 | #2569 |
| 2021 | 60 | #2306 |
| 2020 | 65 | #2145 |
| 2019 | 70 | #2064 |
| 2018 | 67 | #2103 |
| 2017 | 90 | #1723 |
| 2016 | 85 | #1793 |
| 2015 | 102 | #1581 |
| 2014 | 108 | #1494 |
| 2013 | 115 | #1434 |
| 2012 | 115 | #1440 |
| 2011 | 128 | #1327 |
| 2010 | 145 | #1220 |
| 2009 | 151 | #1195 |
| 2008 | 157 | #1156 |
| 2007 | 164 | #1114 |
| 2006 | 146 | #1156 |
| 2005 | 151 | #1096 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Dewayne as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Dewayne has also been given to 107 girls in the U.S. since 1938.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dewayne a boy's or girl's name?
When was Dewayne most popular?
How popular is the name Dewayne?
Can Dewayne be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1912–2024