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Dean name meaning
First Name
181k
in the U.S.
since 1880
181k
in the U.S.
since 1880
Last Name
114k
in the U.S.
in 2010
114k
in the U.S.
in 2010
Girls
Boys
Meaning and Origin
What does the name Dean mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Dean
User Submitted Origins
English
74%
Hebrew
13%
Arabic
6%
Latin
4%
Welsh
4%
User Submitted Meanings
- A user from Turkey says the name Dean is of English origin and means "Leader, one who is in charge of others, or dweller in the valley".
- A user from the United Kingdom says the name Dean is of Welsh origin and means "One who lives in the valley".
- According to 2 people from Nebraska, U.S., the name Dean is of Egyptian origin and means "Leader".
- A submission from California, U.S. says the name Dean means "Manly, strong, a leader,".
- A user from the United Kingdom says the name Dean is of English origin and means "Dweller in valley".
- A submission from Wisconsin, U.S. says the name Dean means "Bishop ( teacher of teachers ) theology. Leader of teachers - academia".
- 2 submissions from Georgia, U.S. agree the name Dean means "Kind" and is of English / Hebrew origin.
- According to a user from California, U.S., the name Dean means "Courage".
- A submission from Virginia, U.S. says the name Dean means "Supervisor" and is of Latin origin.
- According to a user from the United Kingdom, the name Dean is of English origin and means "Gift of god".
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun Dean
Senses
- A dignitary or presiding officer in certain ecclesiastical and lay bodies; esp., an ecclesiastical dignitary, subordinate to a bishop.
- The collegiate officer in the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, England, who, besides other duties, has regard to the moral condition of the college.
- The head or presiding officer in the faculty of some colleges or universities.
- A registrar or secretary of the faculty in a department of a college, as in a medical, or theological, or scientific department.(U.S)
- The chief or senior of a company on occasion of ceremony; as, the dean of the diplomatic corps; -- so called by courtesy.
Etymology: OE. dene deene, OF. deien dien, F. doyen, eldest of a corporation, a dean, L. decanus the chief of ten, one set over ten persons, e. g., over soldiers or over monks, from decem ten. See Ten, and cf. Decemvir
Other Dictionary Sources
- An administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
- (Roman Catholic Church) the head of the College of Cardinals
- A man who is the senior member of a group ("he is the dean of foreign correspondents")
- United States film actor whose moody rebellious roles made him a cult figure (1931-1955)
Wiktionary
The surname or given name is of multiple origins, depending on context:
- Medieval Latin decanum (“group of ten”) and Byzantine Greek δεκανός (dekanós); see dean
- Middle English dene (“valley”), from Old English denu
- Hebrew דין (“law, judgment”) and Arabic دين (“way of life, creed”)
- A title afforded to a dean.
- A habitational surname from Middle English dene “valley”.
- A male given name transferred from the surname or derived from the title.
- Any of various villages and hamlets in England.
Notable Persons Named Dean
Notable Persons Named Dean
Dean Martin
Dean Martin was a singer, actor, comedian, and film producer. Dean was given the name Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7th, 1917 in Steubenville, Ohio. He passed away on December 25th, 1995.
Dean Ambrose
Dean was born on December 7th, 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Dean is also known as Good, Jonathan; Moxley, Jon; Moxley, Jonathan; Moxx, and Moxley.
Dean Cain
Dean Cain is an actor, producer, writer, director, and tv host. He has been prominent since 1976. Dean was given the name Dean George Tanaka on July 31st, 1966 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S.
Dean Norris
Dean Norris is an actor. His ongoing career started in 1985. Dean was born on April 8th, 1963 in South Bend, Indiana.
Dean Corll
Dean Corll is a criminal. Dean is also known as The Candy Man and The Pied Piper.
Dean Stockwell
Dean Stockwell is an actor. He has had major accomplishments since 1945. Dean was given the name Robert Dean Stockwell by his parents Harry Stockwell and Nina Olivette on March 5th, 1936 in North Hollywood, California, U.S.
Notable Persons With the Last Name Dean
Notable Persons With the Last Name Dean
James Dean
James Dean was an actor. He was most prominent from 1950 to 1955. James was given the name James Byron Dean on February 8th, 1931 in Marion, Indiana, U.S. He breathed his last breath on September 30th, 1955.
Laura Dern
Laura Dern is an actress, director, and producer. Her ongoing career started in 1973. Laura was given the name Laura Elizabeth Dean by her parents Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern on February 10th, 1969 in Los Angeles.
Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz is a creative director, disc jockey, fashion design, record producer, rapping, music executive, singing, songwriter, visual arts, actor, dj, fashion designer, rapper, record executive, singer, and visual artist. His most notable accomplishments were from 1994 to 1994. Swizz was given the name Kasseem Dean on September 13th, 1978 in The Bronx.
Howard Dean
Howard Dean is a Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, Chairperson of theDemocratic National Committee, and 75th Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. Howard was born on November 17th, 1948.
John Dean
John Dean is a White House Counsel. John was born on October 14th, 1938 in Akron, Ohio.
Mike Dean
Mike Dean is a hip hop music, rhythm, blues, and pop music record producer, songwriter, mixer, and mastering. He plays Guitar, Keyboard instrument, Bass guitar, Cello, Bassoon, and Programming (music). His ongoing career started in 1983. Mike was born in Houston. Mike is also known as Freaky Dean.
- Jimmy DeanMusician
- Ester DeanMusician
- Millvina Dean
- Roger DeanArtist
- Dizzy DeanBaseball Player
- Herb DeanMartial Artist
- Nathaniel DeanActor
- Letitia DeanActor
- Christopher DeanFigure Skater
- William F. Dean
- Billy DeanMusician
- Emma DeanTrack Cyclist
- Hazell DeanMusician
- Karl Dean
Common last names for Dean
Ethnicity Distribution
| Ethnicity | Dean | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| █ | White | 76.61% | 64.26% |
| █ | African American | 16.82% | 11.96% |
| █ | Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander | 1.06% | 4.85% |
| █ | American Indian and Alaska Native | 0.68% | 0.69% |
| █ | Two or More Ethnicities | 2.20% | 1.76% |
| █ | Hispanic or Latino | 2.63% | 16.26% |
Of Last Name Dean
People with the last name Dean are most frequently White or African American
Entire United States
Fun Facts about the name Dean
| #269 | Popular Surnames |
| #64 | Classic Boy Names |
| #34 | Last Name First Names |