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© 2026 Namesake · namesake.baby

Data: Social Security Administration, US births 1880–2024

Derek — Meaning, Origin & Popularity | Namesake
All names
Dereck|Derell
GermanicBoy→ Stable

Derek

DARE-ik · 2 syllables

Share Derek:
Compare with another name
Boy
#258
→ Stable
#258
in the US · 2024
Popularity score: 44
Peak rank
#258 in 2024
5yr change
+13 ranks
Birth frequency
3.8 per 10,000 births
Sex split
100% boy · 0% girl

Popularity Over Time

↑ Higher on this chart = more popular · ↓ Lower = less popular

Average0255075100Popularity score (0–100)20202024

Rank #258 · Rising since 2020

How Popular Is This Name?

Bars show the range of popularity for each group. The dot shows where this name sits. Further right = more popular.

All US boy names
Top 200 boy names
Germanic boy names
Derek

Popularity score: 44  ·  SSA Rank: #258

Rare  ·  Distinctive  ·  Familiar  ·  Common  ·  Very Common

Popularity score: 0 = least popular, 100 = most popular. Based on SSA rank.

Namesake Score
56
Higher than 56% of names
Combines uniqueness, trend, meaning, feasibility, and search interest.
Trend
→ Stable
+13 ranks
Based on SSA rank velocity
Feasibility
Limited
.com taken · — · clear
Low friction, available
Uniqueness
45
1 per 10,000 births
Won't be common in class
Name DNA
GermanicClassicStrong2-syllableBoyRuler meaning90s peakTimelessProfessional
Character
strong leadershipbold confidencedetermined spirithonest directness
People with this name

Qualities shared by notable Dereks

gracefulversatiledisciplinedcompetitivedistinguished
STRONG
High confidence

Derek is a Germanic boy name with steady SSA rankings. It ranked #258 in the US in 2024.

Trend:→ Stable · +13 ranks
Feasibility:.com taken · — · clear
Popularity:#258 · niche
Derek at a Glance
Meaning:From Old German 'Theodoric', combining 'theo' (people) and 'ric' (ruler). Means 'ruler of the people' or 'powerful leader'.
Language root:Old German · Germanic
Peak rank:#258 in 2024
5yr change:+13 ranks
Sex usage:100% boy · 0% girl
Notable bearers
Derek Jeter
Baseball player
Derek Jacobi
Actor
Derek Hough
Dancer and actor
Similar Sound
DarrenDariusDerrickDemetriDmitri
Similar Style
Cameron◈MarcusAdrian◈VincentGregory
Works Well With
Sibling names that pair naturally with Derek
NicoleJessicaMichelleBrandonZacharyTrevor
You Might Also Like
Cameron◈
Scottish · #66
→ Stable
Marcus
Latin · #256
→ Stable
Adrian◈
Latin · #72
→ Stable
Vincent
Latin · #111
→ Stable
Gregory
Greek · #539
→ Stable
Henry
Germanic · #6
→ Stable
Source: Social Security Administration baby names data. Popularity data reflects US births. Feasibility data updated monthly.
Derek illustration
Name Intelligence
Derek · Overview
Summary

Derek is a Germanic boy name with steady SSA rankings. It ranked #258 in the US in 2024.

Search interest: 19/100 → Stable

Strengths
Classic · Strong character
Derek carries a bold, warm quality that makes it distinctive without being invented.
Considerations
Domain taken
derek.com is not available. Alternative TLDs may work.
Explore

Add to watchlists or your list with + Save next to the name above.

Data source:Social Security Administration
Coverage:US births 1879–2024
Updated:January 2025
ISR:Refreshes monthly
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