- published: 21 Jun 2016
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Dennis or Denis is either the first or last name of a male derived from the Greco-Roman name Dionysius meaning the Thracian god of wine, which is ultimately derived from the Greek Dios (Διός, "of Zeus") combined with Nysos or Nysa (Νυσα), where the young god was raised.[citation needed]. Dionysus (or Dionysos; also known as Bacchus in Roman mythology and associated with the Italic Liber), the Thracian god of wine, represents not only the intoxicating power of wine, but also its social and beneficent influences. He is viewed as the promoter of civilization, a lawgiver, and lover of peace — as well as the patron deity of both agriculture and the theater.
Dionysus is a god of mystery religious rites, such as those practiced in honor of Demeter and Persephone at Eleusis near Athens. In the Thracian mysteries, he wears the "bassaris" or fox-skin, symbolizing new life. (See also Maenads)
The mediaeval Latinised form of the Anglo-Norman surname Le Denys was Dacus, the adjectival form of Dacia, meaning "Danish" or "The Dane". The name became modernised as Denys, then later as Dennis.