Derek
Derek first appears in US records in 1924. It peaked in 1989, when 8,365 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,191.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Derek popular?
Declining Derek is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1989 peak.
| 2020s | 7,102 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 17,978 | |
| 2000s | 27,025 | |
| 1990s | 50,756 | |
| 1980s | 72,923 | |
| 1970s | 38,310 | |
| 1960s | 19,021 | |
| 1950s | 5,245 | |
| 1940s | 533 | |
| 1930s | 155 | |
| 1920s | 12 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Derek mean?
Derek is a short form of the Germanic Theodoric, “ruler of the people,” which reached English through Dutch traders in the Middle Ages.
Nicknames for Derek
- Del
Variants & spellings
- Derrick
- Dereck
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Derek a boy or a girl name?
Derek is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Derek a popular name right now?
Derek is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1989 peak.
How popular is the name Derek?
In 2025, Derek ranked #284 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Derek most popular?
Derek was most popular in 1989, when about 8,365 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Derek?
Common nicknames for Derek include Del.