Dennis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Dennis come from? What does the surname Dennis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Dennis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Dennis Origin: What does the last name Dennis mean?
The surname Dennis originates from the Greco-Roman name Dionysius, associated with the Greek god of wine, Dionysus. The name is believed to come from the Greek words "Dios" meaning "of Zeus" and "Nysos" or "Nysa," where the god was raised. Dionysus was not only the god of wine but also represented civilization, agriculture, and the arts. The surname Dennis has a long history, with variations like Denis, Denys, and Dion found in English, Irish, Danish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, and other cultures.
According to YourRoots data, the Dennis surname has been present in the United Kingdom since the 12th century, with significant records in England. The surname experienced a surge in the United States from the 16th century onward, surpassing the UK in terms of volume. Today, the Dennis surname is widespread globally, appearing in countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and Ireland. The surname's evolution reflects its deep roots in history and its continued presence in diverse regions and cultures.
Dennis Last Name History: Where did the last name Dennis come from?
Origin of Dennis Surname: Where does the last name Dennis originate from?
Our YourRoots data shows that the surname Dennis first appeared in the historical records of the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 12th century. Please note that this data only reflects the exact spelling "Dennis" as found in the YourRoots database, and does not take into account other potential sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Dennis: What does the Dennis surname history look like in the early days?
The Dennis surname has a strong association with the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century, as reflected in the YourRoots database. However, a substantial increase in the volume of Dennis surname records is observed in the United States from the 16th century onwards, indicating a shift in the surname's prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Dennis surname today?
From the 16th century onwards, according to YourRoots data, the Dennis surname saw a significant growth in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom in volume of records. This trend continued into the subsequent centuries. Today, the Dennis surname is not only prevalent in the United States, but can also be found across various regions worldwide. The Dennis surname appears in many countries, including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, and Ireland.
Explore Dennis last name heritage and Dennis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Dennis Surame?
Sandy Dennis
Sandra Dale Dennis (April 27, 1937 – March 2, 1992) was an American actress known for her Oscar-winning performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and her work on Broadway. She had a successful career in film and theater, appearing in notable productions such as "The Out-of-Towners" and "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean." Dennis was also a passionate animal activist, known for rescuing stray cats. Despite her untimely death in 1992, Sandy Dennis left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the hearts of many fans.
Gabrielle Dennis
Gabrielle Dennis (born Oct 19, 1978) is an American actress and comedian known for her roles in various TV shows and films. She gained popularity for her role in the sketch comedy HBO series "A Black Lady Sketch Show." Dennis has also appeared in hit shows like "The Game," "Rosewood," "Insecure," and "Luke Cage." Additionally, she portrayed Whitney Houston in the BET miniseries "The Bobby Brown Story." With a background in dance, theatre, and stand-up comedy, Dennis continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances.
Cathy Dennis
Catherine Roseanne Dennis (born Mar 25, 1969) is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer. Discovered by Simon Fuller as a teen, she found success with hits like "Touch Me (All Night Long)" and "Just Another Dream." Dennis later transitioned to songwriting, co-creating hits for artists like Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears. Her work earned her six Ivor Novello Awards and two Grammys, solidifying her status as a music industry powerhouse.
Pepper Dennis
Rebecca Alie Romijn (Nov 6, 1972 - ) is an American actress and former model known for her role as Mystique in the X-Men film series. She also starred as Pepper Dennis in the comedy-drama TV series of the same name, portraying a feisty television reporter navigating the challenges of her career and personal life in Chicago. Romijn has appeared in various other TV shows and movies, showcasing her versatile acting skills and stunning beauty. With a successful career in both modeling and acting, Romijn continues to captivate audiences with her talent and charisma.
Thomas Hill of Dennis
Thomas Hill of Dennis (c.‚Äâ1736-1824), also known as Thomas Hill or Thomas Hill I, was an ironmaster who played a significant role in establishing the Blaenavon Ironworks in Wales. Born near Stourbridge, Hill inherited wealth and properties, expanding his holdings to include mills, ironworks, and more. He partnered in creating the Blaenavon Ironworks, one of the largest in the world at the time. Hill's legacy includes philanthropic efforts such as founding schools and churches in the area. He passed away in 1824, leaving behind a lasting impact on the industrial and educational landscape of his community.
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