Derek

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Derek

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Derek is a Dutch and Low German form of Theodoric is a modern form of Thiudoricus, a Germanic name meaning “People Ruler” from “theuda” (people), and “ric” (power, ruler).

History:
Derek was brought to England in the 15th century (1464 is the earliest noted example) by Flemish cloth merchants. It recently experienced a surge in popularity.

Pronunciation: derr-eck.

Diminutives: Del.

Alternates: Derric, Derrick, Derrik, Deric.
Latin: Dedericus.

See also: Derrick (Derick).

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:

Derek Walcott (1930-)
West Indian poet and playwright.

Scientists:

Sir Derek H.R. Barton (1918-1998)
British chemist. Co-winner of the 1969 Nobel Prizer for Chemistry.

Singers and Entertainers:

Sir Dirk Bogarde (Derek Van den Bogaerde) (1921-1999)
British actor.
Derek Jarman (1942-1994)
British filmmaker.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.112 % named Derek
0.103 % named Derrick
0.011 % named Derick

Popularity of Derek:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1940: N/A
1940-1950: 803rd most popular.
1950-1960: 347th most popular.
1960-1970: 167th most popular.
1970-1980: 76th most popular.
1980-1990: 53rd most popular.
1990: 56th most popular.
1991: 62nd most popular.
1992: 64th most popular.
1993: 69th most popular.
1994: 78th most popular.
1995: 88th most popular.
1996: 102nd most popular.
1997: 106th most popular.
1998: 109th most popular.
1999: 113th most popular.
2000: 114th most popular.
2001: 128th most popular.
2002: 134th most popular.
2003: 143rd most popular.

Popularity of Derik:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1970: N/A
1970-1980: 948th most popular.
1980-1990: 708th most popular.
1990: 763rd most popular.
1991: 821st most popular.
1992: 946th most popular.
1993: 996th most popular.
1994: N/A
1995: 991st most popular.
1996: N/A

Popularity of Dereck:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1960: N/A
1960-1970: 945th most popular.
1970-1980: N/A
1980-1990: 814th most popular.
1990: 808th most popular.
1991: 920th most popular.
1992: 953rd most popular.
1993: 963rd most popular.
1994-2002: N/A
2003: 970th most popular.