Meaning, origin, history
Dennison is a name of English origin that has been used primarily for boys throughout history. The name Dennison is derived from the Old English personal name Denewulf, which is composed of two elements: "dene" meaning valley and "wulf" meaning wolf. Therefore, the name Dennison means "valley wolf."
The name Dennison first appeared in medieval England during the Middle Ages. It was initially a nickname given to individuals who lived near valleys or had qualities associated with wolves such as strength and ferocity. Over time, the name evolved from a nickname to a hereditary surname.
In literature, there have been several characters named Dennison throughout history, including Dennison Morel in "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Dennison Smith in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. However, these works did not significantly influence the popularity or meaning of the name Dennison.
Today, Dennison is still used as both a first name and surname. It is considered a unique and distinctive name choice for boys, although it remains relatively uncommon compared to other English names such as John or William. Overall, Dennison is a strong and memorable name with a rich history dating back to medieval England.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Dennison since 1880
Total births
753
Total since 1880
Peak year
1949
18 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+9%
↗
vs previous 5 years