Denisa is a feminine given name of Romanian origin. It is derived from the Roman name "Dennissa," which is believed to have been used by women in ancient Rome. The name Dennissa is thought to be composed of two Latin elements: "den" meaning "to flash or gleam," and "issa" which is likely a suffix denoting femininity.
In Romanian, Denisa is typically pronounced as /deˈnisə/. It is not a very common name in English-speaking countries, but it is quite popular in Romania. The name has gained some international recognition in recent years due to its use by notable individuals such as Denisa Keltnerová, a Czech Olympic figure skater.
While there are no widely known historical figures named Denisa, the name's origins can be traced back to ancient Rome. It is possible that women with this name were associated with qualities such as brightness or radiance, given its likely etymology.
Today, Denisa continues to be used as a feminine given name in Romania and other parts of Eastern Europe. While it may not be as widely recognized internationally as some other names, its unique sound and Romanian roots make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.
The name Denisa experienced a peak in popularity during the late 1950s and early 1960s with an average of around 30 births per year between 1958 and 1964, reaching its highest point at 37 births in 1964. However, this number began to decline significantly thereafter, dropping as low as 5 births per year in recent years (2011, 2014, 2022). Overall, between 1952 and 2022, there were a total of 989 babies named Denisa.