Girl · 457th of 12,526
Debby
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
9,697
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1959
Peak Popularity Year
890
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Debby stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Debby is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Deborah, meaning 'bee'. The name has evolved from Deborah to Debra and then to Debby. It is associated with a biblical figure known for her leadership. Debby is perceived positively in modern culture, and it became popular in the 20th century. Notable people with this name include Debby Ryan and Debby Boone.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛbi/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Debby is a diminutive form of the name Deborah, which means 'bee' in Hebrew. The name Deborah is associated with a biblical figure who was a prophetess and leader in Israel.
Meaning
bee
Language Evolution
Deborah, Debra, Debby
Biblical Background
Debby is derived from the biblical name Deborah, who is noted for her wisdom and courage.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a feminine form of Deborah.
Variants & Derivatives
Deborah, Debra, Deb, Debbie
Modern Popularity & Image
Debby is seen as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and kindness.
Famous People
Debby Ryan, Debby Boone, Debby Harry
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 890 peak births in 1959
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Oregon
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 13 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2362nd of 9204 | 243 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 457th of 12526 | 7,596 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1263rd of 19264 | 1,425 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4929th of 27321 | 282 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11820th of 35406 | 121 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 20142nd of 30306 | 25 |