Derek

germanenglishBoy★★★★☆ Popular

Origin and Meaning

The name Derek is a boy's name of german and english origin meaning “ruler of the people”.

Derek is a strong and classic name with Germanic roots, derived from the name Theodoric, which means 'ruler of the people'. The name became popular in the English-speaking world after the Norman Conquest. Its enduring appeal is partly due to its straightforward, no-nonsense feel. Notable Dereks include actor Derek Jacobi and musician Derek Trucks. This name carries a sense of authority and steadiness, making it a timeless choice. Common nicknames include Derry and Rick.

At a Glance

Origingerman, english
GenderBoy
Meaningruler of the people
Popularity★★★★☆ (7/10)
Syllables2
Starts withD
Stylesclassic, popular

Similar Names

Try it in the Generator

See how Derek pairs with your family name and get similar suggestions.

Generate Names

Evaluate This Name

Get a detailed analysis of how Derek works with your surname.

Analyse Name