Derek
How to say it: DER-ik · /ˈdɛrɪk/
Dutch/English form of Theodoric, from Germanic 'theud' (people) and 'ric' (power); meaning 'ruler of the people'.
Derek was the 197th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 1,191 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1980s, its births are down about 34% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #198 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #197 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 1,191 |
| Share of births | 1 in 1,661 |
| Peak decade | 1980s |
| Change over 10 years | −34% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #198 |
| In France, 2025 | #889 among boys’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once at its height in the 1980s, Derek now rests far below that peak. The coming period will likely see it slip further.
What goes with it
Firm and crisp with a strong edge throughout. Garrett and Trevor align in style.
Middle names that flow with Derek →
Nicknames
- Dere
- Rick
Honouring a Derek in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Derek is about 1 in 70.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Dutch, English, French, German.
In France: #889 for boys in 2025.
Ireland: #443.
Famous people named Derek
- Derek Walcott (1930–2017)Saint Lucian–Trinidadian poet and playwright
- Derek Jacobi (born 1938)English actor
- Derek Barton (1918–1998)English organic chemist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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