Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Deborah originates from Hebrew, meaning 'bee'. It has evolved through various languages and remains a classic name with strong biblical roots. The traits associated with the name include leadership and wisdom, reflecting its biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛbərə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Deborah comes from the Hebrew word 'd'vorah', meaning 'bee'. In the Bible, Deborah was a prophetess and a judge who led Israel to victory over the Canaanites.
Meaning
bee
Language Evolution
D'vorah (Hebrew), Debora (Latin), Deborah (English)
Biblical Background
Deborah is a significant figure in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament, known for her wisdom and leadership.
Historical Usage
Deborah has been used since biblical times and gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation, when biblical names were favored.
Variants & Derivatives
Debra, Debbie, Deb, Deborah
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Deborah is perceived as traditional and classic, with a strong historical and biblical connotation, though its popularity has declined in recent years.
Famous People
Deborah Harry (singer), Deborah Kerr (actress), Deborah Meaden (businesswoman), Deborah Ann Woll (actress)
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 117 peak births in 1955
Geographic Spread
Popular across 15 US states, with strongest presence in Tennessee
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (18 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 18 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1395th of 12526 | 1,051 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3362nd of 19264 | 315 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12111th of 27321 | 66 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
61.11% 1361st/2227 |
66.05% 1605th/2430 |
41.75% 1191st/2853 |
85.12% 2362nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
82.43% 2421st/2937 |
94.83% 3303rd/3483 |
100.00% 3518th/3518 |
91.79% 3712th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Tennessee across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1395th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3362nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12111th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.