Derek
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Ruler of the people, gifted ruler
Origin: Germanic/Dutch
Popularity: Ranked #284 in 2025 with 1,191 babies born.
History: Derek is an English form of the Germanic name Theodoric, meaning ruler of the people. It came to England through Flemish settlers in the medieval period. It was popular in the United States and Britain throughout the 20th century.
Famous people named Derek: Derek Jeter (baseball player)
Name length: 5 letters
How common is Derek? About 1 in 2,795 babies born in 2025 were named Derek, or roughly 3.3 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Derek
What does the name Derek mean?
Derek means “Ruler of the people, gifted ruler” from Germanic/Dutch roots.
What is the origin of the name Derek?
Derek has Germanic/Dutch origin. The traditional meaning is “Ruler of the people, gifted ruler”.
How popular is Derek?
Derek ranked #284 in 2025 — given to 1,191 babies that year.
When was Derek most popular?
Derek peaked in 1989 with 8,365 babies registered that year.
Is Derek a boy or girl name?
Derek is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Dereks in registered births are male.
Is the name Derek rising or falling in popularity?
Derek has risen 25 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #309 in 2020 to #284 in 2025.
How long has Derek been recorded?
Derek appears in birth records across 98 years — from 1924 through 2025.