Denali Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Denali originates from the Koyukon language, meaning 'the high one' or 'the great one,' referring to the tallest mountain in North America. The name has evolved from 'Dinali' to the Anglicized 'Denali.' It has gained recognition and popularity, especially after being officially adopted in 1980, reflecting a deep cultural significance. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name. Denali is seen as an emblem of the Alaskan wilderness and natural grandeur, with notable historical figures connected to its exploration.
The name Denali is most popular in Alaska, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Denali has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Denali' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13786th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4286th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4007th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8077th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3429th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2477th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Denali' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Denali"
Pronunciation
/dəˈnɑːli/
Origin
Koyukon language (Alaska Native)
Etymology
The name 'Denali' means 'the high one' or 'the great one' in the Koyukon language, referring to the mountain's impressive height.
Meaning
The high one, the great one
Language Evolution
Dinali (Koyukon), Denali (Anglicized form)
Historical Usage
The name Denali was officially adopted in 1980, although it had been used by local Native Alaskan tribes for centuries prior.
Variants & Derivatives
Mount McKinley (former name), Denali National Park and Preserve
Modern Popularity & Image
Denali is widely recognized as a symbol of natural beauty and adventure, attracting many visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.
Famous People
John Muir (naturalist who explored the area), William Howard Taft (U.S. President who designated the area as a national park)
Explore More Denali Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Denali"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Denali"
"Denali" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13786th of 16616 | 11 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4286th of 24088 | 327 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4007th of 23106 | 315 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8077th of 27321 | 137 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3429th of 35406 | 697 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2477th of 30306 | 877 |
Regional Popularity of "Denali" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Denali" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
65.68% 4149th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
81.41% 4204th/5164 |
57.75% 4223rd/7313 |
38.35% 2862nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
84.49% 3366th/3984 |
78.18% 3508th/4487 |
39.36% 2685th/6822 |
35.47% 2226th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Denali"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Denali" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.