Boy · 103rd of 16,616
Derrick
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
146,052
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1980
Peak Popularity Year
4,171
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Derrick 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
The name Derrick originates from the Old High German name 'Theodoric', meaning 'ruler of the people'. It has evolved through various forms over time. The name embodies traits of leadership and authority. There is no direct biblical relevance associated with Derrick. Its popularity surged in the 19th century, influenced by cultural figures and associations.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛrɪk/
Origin
Old High German
Etymology
The name Derrick is derived from the Old High German name 'Theodoric', which means 'ruler of the people'. It combines the elements 'theud' meaning 'people' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power'.
Meaning
ruler of the people
Language Evolution
Theodoric, Derrik, Derrick
Historical Usage
Derrick became popular in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, partly due to its association with the name of a famous executioner in England.
Variants & Derivatives
Derrik, Derron, Derry
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Derrick is viewed as a strong and masculine name, often associated with leadership and authority.
Famous People
Derrick Rose, professional basketball player, Derrick Johnson, former American football linebacker, Derrick Henry, professional American football player
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,171 peak births in 1980
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in District of Columbia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 11 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 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6451st of 7545 | 11 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2407th of 6773 | 181 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 263rd of 7552 | 14,693 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 95th of 10718 | 49,891 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 103rd of 16616 | 51,044 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 248th of 24088 | 21,873 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 484th of 23106 | 7,362 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5213th of 12526 | 106 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2459th of 19264 | 508 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4222nd of 27321 | 353 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 22155th of 35406 | 30 |