All about the name

Derrick

Male

« Derrick is of African origin, meaning "warrior" or "valiant", and was popularized in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Derrick is a name of African origin, specifically from the Ewe people of present-day Ghana and Togo. Its meaning varies depending on the source, but it's often translated as "warrior" or "valiant". In some cases, Derrick is also associated with the Irish name Dermot, which means "warlike". The name Derrick first gained popularity in the United Kingdom during the 19th century, likely due to its association with the Irish name Dermot. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Derrick became widely used as a given name throughout English-speaking countries. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Derrick. For instance, there's Derek Walcott, a Nobel laureate in Literature from St Lucia; and Derrick Henry, a professional American football player for the Tennessee Titans. These figures have helped to further popularize and solidify the name Derrick in modern times. In terms of popularity, Derrick peaked in the late 20th century. It was among the top 100 names for boys in several English-speaking countries during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it remains a relatively common choice but has somewhat declined from its peak. Overall, Derrick is an interesting name with a rich history, offering parents a strong and distinctive option for their sons that's not overly popular yet maintains a familiar ring to it.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Derrick since 1880

Total births
144,743
Total since 1880
Peak year
1980
4,135 births
in 2023
342
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-31%
vs previous 5 years