Origin & Meaning of the Dennis Surname
What does the last name Dennis mean?
The surname Dennis carries the meaning "Of or from." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 78,482 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dennis ranks as the #409 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dennis come from?
The Dennis surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dennis name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dennis trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dennis |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #409 |
| US Count (2010) | 78,482 |
| Per 100K People | 26.61 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dennis
According to the US Census, the Dennis surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 78,482 Americans with the Dennis last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 65.6% |
| Black | 27.84% |
| Hispanic | 2.88% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.79% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Dennis Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dennis surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dennis surname increased by 3,698 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Dennis Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Dennis
- ✓ The Dennis coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Dennis families live today
- ✓ Notable Dennis bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Dennis
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dennis.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Dennis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dennis
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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