Denise

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A feminine first name of French origin, the female form of Denis, borne by many women around the world
2. A female personal name of French origin, derived from the masculine Denis and popular in English-speaking countries
3. A given name for women, of French origin, related to the name Dionysius and the god Dionysus

Etymology: The name "Denise" traces back to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and the vine. The Greek name "Dionysius" meant "follower of Dionysus," and its feminine form, "Dionysia," passed into Latin as "Dionysia" before reaching France as the French name "Denise." English took it from French, so a name associated with a god of intoxication and growing grapes has become one of the most familiar given names in the English-speaking world. The Latin form "Dionysia" is also the source of the English word "Dionysia," a name for the festivals held in honour of Dionysus in ancient Greece. The two words are doublets: both descend from the same Latin source but reached English by different routes, one as a personal name and one as a term for the festivals.