dean

Dean is a term with several related uses in English. It can refer to an ecclesiastical office, an academic administrator, or be a given name or surname. It may also appear as part of place names or toponymic elements in geography.

Etymology and history: The word derives from the Latin decanus, meaning “leader of ten,” and was used in early Christian communities for the head of a group of ten monks or canons. In medieval and later church structures, a dean often headed a cathedral chapter. In modern education, the dean is the administrator in charge of a faculty, college, or division, and, in some universities, of student affairs. The specific duties and rank of a dean can vary by country and institution.

Given name and surname: Dean is used as a masculine given name in English-speaking countries, with popularity growing in the 20th century. It also occurs as a surname, sometimes arising from occupational or toponymic origins related to the historical title or to places named Dean. Notable people with the surname Dean include James Dean, the American actor. Notable people with the given name Dean include Dean Martin, the singer and actor; Dean Cain, the actor; and Dean Koontz, the writer.

Usage today: In contemporary institutions, a dean may oversee academic programs, faculty affairs, budgeting, and strategic planning within a college or school. In a religious context, a dean can be the senior priest of a cathedral or a group of parishes. As a personal name, Dean remains common in many English-speaking regions.