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Dennis

Boy name · 275 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Dennis: 275 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 16 births in 1979.

Of Greek origin, Dennis comes from Dionysius, meaning 'follower of Dionysus', the ancient god of wine, festivity and theatre. The name was borne by Saint Denis, the third-century patron saint of Paris who was famously martyred by decapitation, and by Dennis the Menace, the mischievous comic-strip character who first appeared in 1951. Several places share the name's root, including the Greek town of Dionysos and numerous European churches dedicated to Saint Denis. A notably strong Scottish connection exists through the Clan MacDennis, a sept of the larger Clan MacGregor, and the name enjoyed particular popularity across Scotland in the mid-20th century before gradually declining.