Denzel Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Denzel is a Welsh name that likely originates from the Cornish word for 'the place of the fort.' It has evolved through historical forms including Denzell and Denzil. The name is associated with strength and charisma, particularly due to the fame of actor Denzel Washington. It has no biblical roots and gained popularity in the 20th century.
The name Denzel is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Denzel has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Denzel' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1510th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1597th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2420th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5127th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 555th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 838th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1100th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5980th out of 9107 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 22630th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Denzel' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Denzel"
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛn.zəl/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Denzel is believed to be derived from the name of a small town in Cornwall, England, called Denzell or Denzell Downs. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, but it may be linked to the Cornish word 'danzel,' meaning 'the place of the fort.'
Meaning
A place of the fort
Language Evolution
Denzell, Denzil, Denzel
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century, particularly during the rise of actor Denzel Washington in the 1980s and 1990s.
Variants & Derivatives
Denzil, Denzell
Modern Popularity & Image
Denzel is often associated with strength and charisma, largely due to the influence of Denzel Washington. It is perceived positively and has a modern, stylish appeal.
Famous People
Denzel Washington, Denzel Curry
Explore More Denzel Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Denzel"
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 "Denzel"
"Denzel" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1510th of 7545 | 381 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1597th of 6773 | 354 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2420th of 7552 | 216 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5127th of 10718 | 63 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 555th of 16616 | 4,837 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 838th of 24088 | 3,515 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1100th of 23106 | 2,196 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5980th of 9107 | 30 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 22630th of 27321 | 11 |
Regional Popularity of "Denzel" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
66.10% 936th/1416 |
- |
69.40% 1642nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
77.56% 1825th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
60.61% 1682nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.24% 488th/3685 |
9.56% 428th/4475 |
9.40% 488th/5194 |
13.90% 878th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
20.73% 950th/4582 |
11.99% 619th/5164 |
11.45% 837th/7313 |
13.49% 1007th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
31.93% 1272nd/3984 |
18.39% 825th/4487 |
14.89% 1016th/6822 |
22.37% 1404th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Denzel" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Denzel"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Denzel" 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.