Derek
Meaning of Derek
The name Derek is a strong and timeless choice for boys, with roots tracing back to the Old German name Theodoric, meaning "people's ruler." Over time, it evolved into various forms, including the more modern English variant, Derek. Pronounced DEH-rik (/də-ˈrɪk/), this name has maintained a steady presence in the United States for decades. While it reached its peak popularity in the early 1990s, ranking as high as 54th in 1990, it has seen a gradual decline since then but continues to be a favored choice among parents. Notable variations include Derrick, which offers an alternative spelling while retaining the same robust sound and historical significance. Derek is often associated with strength and leadership qualities, making it a compelling option for parents seeking a classic yet impactful name for their baby boy.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as DEH-rik (/də-ˈrɪk/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Derek
| Derek Sanderson Jeter is a former professional baseball player, successful businessman, and baseball executive known for his 20-year career with the New York Yankees and induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. |
| Derek Dallas Carr is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL, known for his successful college career at Fresno State and being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014. |
| Derek Bruce Hough is an accomplished American dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer, known for his record-breaking wins on Dancing with the Stars and his multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography. |
| Sir Derek Alton Walcott OM was a highly acclaimed Saint Lucian poet and playwright, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992 and recognized for his epic poem Omeros. |
| Derek Dooley is a former American football player and coach, currently serving as a senior offensive analyst for the Alabama Crimson Tide. |
| Derek Antony Parfit was a highly influential British philosopher known for his work in personal identity, rationality, and ethics. |
| Sir Derek George Jacobi is an acclaimed English actor known for his work at the Royal National Theatre, as well as his impressive film and television roles, and has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career. |
| Derek Trucks is an influential American guitarist and songwriter known for his work with The Allman Brothers Band and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and has been recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone. |
| Derek Charles Robinson FRS was a prominent physicist known for his work in the UK fusion power program, particularly for his contributions to the development of the reversed field pinch concept and the tokamak as the primary magnetic fusion energy device. |
| Derek Warwick is a British former Formula One racing driver known for his success in endurance racing and his tragic connection to the death of his younger brother, Paul Warwick. |
| Derek Leslie Conway TD is a former English politician and current television presenter known for his tenure as a Member of Parliament and as a presenter on Press TV. |
| Derek Alexander Muller is a renowned science communicator and TV personality, famous for his YouTube channel Veritasium with over 14 million subscribers. |
| Derek Meddings was a renowned British film and television special effects designer known for his work on "Supermarionation" TV puppet series and the James Bond and Superman film series. |
| George Derek Fleetwood Bell, MBE was a versatile Northern Irish musician known for his accompaniment work with The Chieftains. |
| Derek Anthony Klena is a well-known American actor and singer, recognized for his roles in various Broadway productions and television series. |
