Derrick
Meaning of Derrick
Derrick bursts onto the scene like a trumpet riff in a lively salsa band—short, strong, and impossible to ignore. Rooted in the Old German name Theodoric, “ruler of the people,” this streamlined cousin of Derek carries the swagger of medieval knights yet feels as fresh as mañana’s sunrise. History tossed in an unexpected twist—an English hangman named Derick lent his name to the towering “derrick” crane—so the word now doubles as a symbol of lift and strength. Modern ears, though, are more likely to picture NBA star Derrick Rose slicing through defenses or Super Bowl hero Derrick Henry barreling down the field, proof that the name still scores points in the big leagues. Popularity-wise, Derrick rode a high wave in the 1980s—think neon, boom boxes, and break-dance battles—then settled into a steady rhythm, ranking in the 600s today, perfect for parents who crave familiar yet unfussy. Pronounced DER-ik, it rolls off the tongue like a quick drumbeat, equally at home in English or a smooth Spanish “¡DÉR-rik!” So, for a baby boy destined to lead the crowd, raise spirits, and maybe hoist a championship trophy, Derrick delivers—con brío y corazón.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as DER-ik (/dərɪk/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Derrick
| Derrick Henry, nicknamed "King Henry", is the only football player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season at the high school, college, and professional levels. |
| Derrick Rose, a former Chicago Bulls star, became the NBA's youngest MVP in 2011 after winning Rookie of the Year in 2009. |
| Derrick Johnson is a former NFL linebacker who spent 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning four Pro Bowl selections after a standout college career as a two-time All-American at Texas. |
| Derrick James Lewis is an American UFC heavyweight fighter who holds the records for most finishes and knockouts in UFC history. |
| Derrick Johnson, an American lawyer, serves as the NAACP's president and CEO, having previously led its Mississippi chapter and founded the nonprofit One Voice Inc. to advance African American communities. |
| Derrick Leon Green is an American musician who became the vocalist of the Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura in 1997 after Max Cavalera's departure. |
| Derrick Brooks is a Hall of Fame linebacker who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory and earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. |
| Derrick Etienne Jr. - Derrick Burckley Etienne Jr. is a professional winger for Toronto FC in MLS and represents Haiti internationally, though he was born in the United States. |
| Derrick Mason was a former NFL wide receiver who played 15 seasons, most notably for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, where he became the franchise's all-time leading receiver. |
| Derrick Kahala Watson is the chief United States district judge for the District of Hawaii. |
| Derrick Vincent Thomas was a legendary Kansas City Chiefs linebacker celebrated as one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history. |
| Derrick May is an American electronic musician who co-pioneered techno music in the 1980s as part of The Belleville Three. |
| Derrick Jones Amaniampong is a Ghana-born professional midfielder for Columbus Crew who has played for the US U-23 national team. |
| Derrick Dwayne Kindred Jr. is a former NFL safety who played college football at Texas Christian University and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2016. |
| American author Derrick Barnes won the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award for his 2017 children's book "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut." |
