Dean is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #159 in 2023 with 2,285 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 2,876 births ranking #125. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 171.1%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 748 boys born was named Dean. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Dean is a simple, steady boys' name with more than one older source line, including valley-based surname roots and the church title dean. Its modern style is clean, masculine, and understated.
The name has been used as both surname and first name for many years, giving it a settled, familiar quality. It feels classic without being especially formal.