Denzel
How to say it: DEN-zul · /ˈdɛnzəl/
From a Cornish place name meaning 'high stronghold'; popularized as a given name in English-speaking countries.
Denzel was the 1,031st most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 177 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1990s, its births are down about 6% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #968 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #1,031 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 177 |
| Share of births | 1 in 18,730 |
| Peak decade | 1990s |
| Change over 10 years | −6% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #968 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,110 among boys’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After topping out in the 1990s, Denzel settled well below that high while staying in regular use. Momentum now points upward again for the next few years.
What goes with it
A humming z colors two sturdy syllables, lending Denzel quiet muscle. Kendrick makes a like minded companion.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Denzel is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French.
In France: #1,110 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Denzel
- Denzel Washington (born 1954)American actor
- Denzel Dumfries (born 1996)Dutch association football player
- Denzel Curry (born 1995)American rapper from Florida
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Denzel
Find names you'll both love, starting with Denzel
The one-minute style quiz.