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Denton Boy

Popularity: #897 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationDEN-tun / /ˈdɛntən/

English; Old English

Meaning

English: 'valley town'; Old English: 'from the town in the valley'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Denton has its roots in Old English, deriving from the elements "denu," meaning "valley," and "tun," meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." This etymological combination suggests a literal meaning of "valley settlement." The name likely entered the English lexicon during the early medieval period, as Old English evolved into Middle English, with the earliest recorded instances appearing in the 11th century. The name is associated with various locations in England, which contributed to its use as a surname and subsequently as a given name.

Historically, Denton has been linked to several notable figures and places. One significant milestone is the establishment of Denton as a village in Lancashire, England, which dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. This document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, provides one of the earliest written records of the name. Over the centuries, Denton has been associated with various localities, particularly in the North of England, where it has been borne by several prominent families and landowners, contributing to its historical significance.

Culturally, the name Denton carries connotations of stability and rootedness, reflective of its geographical origins. The imagery of a valley settlement evokes a sense of community and connection to the land, which has resonated through various historical narratives. Additionally, the name has been used in literature and other cultural expressions, further embedding it within the English linguistic and cultural landscape. While diminutive forms or variations may exist, the name Denton itself has maintained a consistent identity throughout its history, symbolizing a blend of natural and human elements.

Trend Summary

Denton has seen a gradual increase in popularity as a baby name in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Denton

International Variants

Famous people named Denton

Denton Cooley is a cardiac surgeon best known for pioneering heart surgery techniques and performing the first successful heart transplant in the United States.

Denton Welch was an English author and painter best known for his novels including 'Maiden Voyage' and 'In Youth is Pleasure'.

Denton G. McGowan is a notable figure in the field of engineering and is recognized for his contributions to civil engineering projects.

Fictional characters named Denton

Denton is a fictional character from the novel The Last of the Crazy People by Timothy Findley. He is a young boy navigating the complexities of his family's mental health issues and societal expectations.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Denton was first seen in the United States in 1881. Denton has ranked as high as #1148 nationally, which occurred in 1994, and has been most popular in Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Oklahoma, and Missouri. In the past 5 years the name Denton has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Denton (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18817
18886
18979
190810
19109
191111
191219
191324
191431
191534
191630
191735
191840
191940
192042
192135
192248
192337
192427
192541
192638
192744
192843
192934
193042
193144
193239
193333
193440
193547
193637
193739
193838
193949
194033
194141
194265
194349
194443
194550
194652
194750
194842
194946
195056
195137
195243
195333
195440
195544
195645
195735
195842
195948
196041
196140
196230
196347
196443
196532
196629
196728
196828
196941
197042
197154
197245
197343
197438
197535
197643
197736
197832
197929
198045
198149
198239
198344
198456
198553
198657
198755
198850
198968
199060
199148
199264
199372
199489
199584
199666
199775
199862
199950
200070
200161
200254
200337
200449
200548
200667
200746
200848
200947
201045
201153
201253
201356
201448
201552
201642
201755
201835
201939
202038
202126
202239
202338
202427