What Does the Name Derek Mean?

The full meaning of Derek is 'the ruler of the people'. The name emphasizes leadership, influence, and authority.

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Derek traces its origins to Medieval English and German, derived from the Germanic name 'Theodoric'.

  • Popularity: 527th
  • Babies named Derek in the US in 2023:
    Female: 0
    Male: 1238
  • Nicknames:
  • Full Names:
  • Famous Namesakes: Derek Jeter-Baseball Player, Derek Jacobi-Actor, Derek Hough-Dancer, Derek Fisher-Basketball Player, Derek Chauvin-Police Officer.
  • Gender: Primarily used for males, Derek is considered a strong and traditional male name.
  • Numerology: In numerology, the name Derek is associated with the number 6. This number symbolizes responsibility, nurturing, protection, and domesticity. Individuals with this number are often seen as compassionate, home-loving, and focused on creating harmony. They embrace leadership with an emphasis on being caring and service-oriented.

Derek has maintained steady popularity throughout the years, having peak surges in the 1970s and 1990s. Though its popularity has slightly diminished in the past decade, it remains a well-recognized and respected name as a classic choice for boys.

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