Debra is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "bees." It is derived from the Hebrew word "d'vora," which means "bee." In ancient times, bees were seen as symbols of industriousness and diligence, reflecting the hard work and determination that was valued in those days.
The name Debra first appeared in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Judges. In this story, Deborah was a prophetess who judged Israel under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel. She played an important role in rallying her people against their enemies, demonstrating courage and wisdom during times of crisis.
Over time, the name Debra has been adopted by various cultures around the world. In some regions, it may be spelled differently such as Debrah or Devorah to reflect variations in pronunciation or transliteration from the original Hebrew form.
Today, Debra continues to be a popular choice among parents seeking unique yet meaningful names for their daughters. As a name with deep historical roots and a significant biblical figure associated with it, Debra carries an air of strength and resilience that may appeal to those looking for powerful feminine monikers.
The name Debra has a rich history and fluctuating popularity in the United States over the past century. The earliest record of the name Debra appears in 1914, with only five births that year. This number remained relatively low until the late 1920s when there was a steady increase, reaching 17 births in both 1929 and 1930.
The 1930s saw a significant rise in the popularity of Debra, with the number of births more than doubling from 16 in 1931 to 37 in 1932. This trend continued throughout the decade, culminating in 85 births in 1940.
The post-WWII era marked a period of substantial growth for the name Debra. The number of births skyrocketed from 98 in 1941 to an astounding 2392 in 1949, indicating that Debra was becoming increasingly popular among parents. This popularity peaked in the early 1950s, with a total of 50558 births recorded in 1955.
However, like many names, Debra's popularity began to decline in the mid-1950s. The number of births steadily decreased over the following decades, reaching a low of 30 births in 2023. Despite this decline, Debra remains a name with historical significance and continues to be chosen by parents today.
In conclusion, while Debra's popularity has waxed and waned over the years, it is clear that this name has played an important role in American naming culture for over a century. With its rich history and enduring appeal, Debra remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their child.