Deborah is a Hebrew given name that comes from the biblical figure of Deborah, who was a prophetess and a judge in ancient Israel. In Hebrew, her name means "bee," symbolizing sweetness and industriousness.
The name Deborah first appears in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament, where she is described as a fearless leader who inspired courage in others during a time of crisis. She served as a judge for 40 years and was known for her wisdom and justice. The most famous story about Deborah involves her role in encouraging the warrior Barak to fight against the Canaanite general Sisera, which ultimately led to Israel's victory.
In addition to its biblical origins, the name Deborah has been popular throughout history among Jewish communities around the world. It has also gained popularity among non-Jewish populations in recent years due to its unique sound and its association with strong female figures like the biblical Deborah herself.
Today, people named Deborah can be found in various cultures and walks of life, carrying on a rich tradition that spans centuries and continents. Whether inspired by the bee's sweetness or Deborah's courageous leadership, this distinctive name continues to capture the imagination of parents looking for meaningful names for their daughters.
The name Deborah was quite popular from the late 1940s to the early 1950s, with a peak of 94 births in 1952. However, its popularity declined steadily after that, dropping to single digits by the late 1970s and remaining low throughout the 1980s and 1990s.