What does Deborah mean and where does it come from?
The name Deborah (דְבוֹרָה) is of Hebrew origin and is mentioned in the Old Testament as a prophetess and a judge of Israel. It has been used since ancient times and reflects qualities such as industriousness and bravery. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Puritan er
Cultural significance
Deborah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bee.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1955 — currently #882 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Deborah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Deborah?
Deborah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Deborah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Deborah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Deborah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Deborah Claire
French influence · crisp
Deborah Jane
Literary · strong
Deborah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Deborah right now?
Holding steady — currently #882 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #882 | 1,318 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #887 | 1,298 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #892 | 1,268 | ▲ up 14 · +343% births |
| 2020 | #906 | 286 | ▼ down 101 · -18% births |
| 2015 | #805 | 348 | ▼ down 31 · -2% births |
| 2010 | #774 | 354 | ▼ down 122 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #652 | 425 | ▼ down 158 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #494 | 546 | ▼ down 96 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #398 | 659 | ▼ down 136 · -40% births |
| 1990 | #262 | 1,094 | ▼ down 70 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #192 | 1,400 | ▼ down 46 · -28% births |
| 1980 | #146 | 1,937 | ▼ down 60 · -43% births |
| 1975 | #86 | 3,413 | ▼ down 53 · -65% births |
| 1970 | #33 | 9,848 | ▼ down 20 · -42% births |
| 1965 | #13 | 17,083 | — |
The story of Deborah
Deborah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1955, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 743K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #499 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #882 in 2023. Deborah is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Deborah in 1955:
Deborah by decade
Deborah peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 143 | |
| 1890s | 183 | |
| 1900s | 227 | |
| 1910s | 652 | |
| 1920s | 1,070 | |
| 1930s | 2,814 | |
| 1940s | 44,144 | |
| 1950s ★ | 431,307 | |
| 1960s | 183,922 | |
| 1970s | 48,073 | |
| 1980s | 14,847 | |
| 1990s | 7,577 | |
| 2000s | 4,281 | |
| 2010s | 3,419 | |
| 2020s | 286 | |
What are good nicknames for Deborah?
ENGLISH
DebDebbiDebbieDebbyDebi
Famous people named Deborah
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Deborah (historical community leader)
Deborah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Deborah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Deborah also consider these
How is Deborah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Deborah
What does the name Deborah mean?
Deborah means "bee" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Deborah?
Deborah is currently ranked #882 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Deborah?
Deborah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Deborah?
Deborah is a two-syllable name pronounced D EH1 B ER0 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Deborah a common or rare name?
Deborah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.