Derek
Derek: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdɛɹɪk/
Meaning and origin of Derek
- A male given name from the Germanic languages.
Etymology
Borrowed in the Middle Ages from a Middle Low German variant of Theodoric, and revived in the 19th century.
How popular is Derek?
Since 1880, 909 girls and 239,060 boys in the U.S. have been named Derek (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1944 in 1980. Its highest rank for boys was #50 in 1980. In 2025 it ranked #284 for boys, with 1,191 babies given the name.
Names similar to Derek
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Derek
Sister and brother names that share Derek's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Derek FAQ
What does the name Derek mean?
A male given name from the Germanic languages. Borrowed in the Middle Ages from a Middle Low German variant of Theodoric, and revived in the 19th century.
What is the origin of the name Derek?
Derek is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Derek?
Since 1880, 909 girls and 239,060 boys in the U.S. have been named Derek (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1944 in 1980. Its highest rank for boys was #50 in 1980. In 2025 it ranked #284 for boys, with 1,191 babies given the name.
Is Derek a boy or girl name?
Derek is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 909 girls and 239,060 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.