Derek
Derek is of Old German origin, derived from Theodoric, meaning 'ruler of the people' or 'people's ruler.' The name came to England through Germanic tribes and gained widespread use in the English-speaking world during the 20th century.
Current Popularity
#258 for boys
in the United States (2024)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce in most English-speaking countries
- •Alternative spelling 'Derrick' is also common
- •Has a friendly, down-to-earth quality while maintaining professional appeal
- •Popular peak was in the 1970s-80s, giving it a contemporary classic feel
- •Multiple spelling variations exist
Similar Names
Famous People
Derek Jeter
Baseball Hall of Famer
Derek Hough
Dancer and choreographer
Derek Walcott
Nobel Prize-winning poet
Derek Jacobi
Actor
Statistics
237,860
Total births since 1880
1989
Peak year
Discovery
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