"from the green valley"
Denver
Pronunciation: [ d-EHNV-er ]
Bold western spirit with gender-defying cool
Meaning & Origin
"from the Danish valley passage"
The Story of Denver
Denver as a given name derives from the city of Denver, Colorado, which was named after James W. Denver, the Governor of the Kansas Territory in 1858. His surname likely came from the English place name meaning from the Dane valley. As a girl name, Denver is part of the place-name trend that began in the early 2000s, following names like Savannah, Austin, and Aspen.
Denver has gained traction as a girls name since the late 2010s, part of the place-name and surname-as-first-name movement. Its cool, western energy and gender-neutral feel have made it especially appealing to parents seeking something adventurous.
Denver carries the rugged, open-sky spirit of the American West. As a girl name it challenges traditional gender naming, giving it particular appeal in progressive communities. It also connects to the 1980s TV show Dynasty, set in Denver.
Fun Facts
- Denver, Colorado is nicknamed The Mile High City at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level
- The city of Denver was founded in 1858, a year before Colorado became a US territory
Denver in Other Languages
Famous People Named Denver
Denver Riggleman
Politician
1974
American politician who served in the US House of Representatives from Virginia
John Denver
Musician
1943
Beloved American singer-songwriter known for Rocky Mountain High and Take Me Home, Country Roads
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #777
- Total SSA Count
- 362
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Denver is also used as a boy name, ranked #487.
View Denver as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Denver
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About the Name Denver
Denver is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "from the green valley" in Old French .
Is Denver a boy or girl name? Denver is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #777 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #487. Denver is more commonly used as a boy name.
Denver is currently ranked #777 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Denver has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHNV-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Denver include Den and Denny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.