Dean: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced DEEN · 1 syllable
Dean means “valley”, from English.
The surname or given name is of multiple origins, depending on context: * As an English surname, from Middle English dene (“valley”). * Also as an English surname, from the noun dean.
- Meaning
- valley
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- DEEN
- US rank (2025)
- #125
- US babies a year
- about 2,547 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1960
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Classic
How popular is Dean?
Dean was the #125 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,882 babies. It’s rising: up 59% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1960.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #125 |
| England & Wales | #657 |
| Scotland | #324 |
| Northern Ireland | #334 |
| Ireland | #417 |
| France | #910 |
| Canada | #266 |
| Australia | #302 |
How old are people named Dean?
Half of US adults named Dean are older than 62; most are between 25 and 81. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Dean
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Dean have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Dean
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- Classic boy names
- Vintage boy names
- Comeback boy names
- Rising boy names
- English boy names
- Short baby names (4 letters or fewer)
Questions about Dean
What does the name Dean mean?
Dean means “valley”. It comes from English.
How do you pronounce Dean?
Dean is pronounced DEEN.
How popular is the name Dean?
Dean was the #125 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,882 babies. It’s rising: up 59% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1960.
How old are people named Dean?
Half of US adults named Dean are older than 62. Most are between 25 and 81.