What does Debra mean and where does it come from?
Debra is a modern variant of the Hebrew name Devorah (דְבוֹרָה), which means 'bee.' The name has biblical significance, as Debra was a prophetess and judge in the Book of Judges. The name became notably popular in the United States during the mid-20th century and has various regional variations, suc
Cultural significance
Debra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bee.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1956 — currently #1579 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Debra?
Debra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Debra Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Debra Rose
Floral · soft ending
Debra Mae
Sweet · timeless
Debra Claire
French influence · crisp
Debra Jane
Literary · strong
Debra Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Debra right now?
Holding steady — currently #1579 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1579 | 621 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1584 | 601 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1589 | 571 | ▲ up 1847 · +1198% births |
| 2020 | #3436 | 44 | ▲ up 483 · +16% births |
| 2015 | #3919 | 38 | ▼ down 1401 · -48% births |
| 2010 | #2518 | 73 | ▼ down 637 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #1881 | 103 | ▼ down 669 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #1212 | 164 | ▼ down 437 · -36% births |
| 1995 | #775 | 258 | ▼ down 321 · -52% births |
| 1990 | #454 | 543 | ▼ down 181 · -41% births |
| 1985 | #273 | 916 | ▼ down 96 · -41% births |
| 1980 | #177 | 1,558 | ▼ down 63 · -36% births |
| 1975 | #114 | 2,443 | ▼ down 67 · -66% births |
| 1970 | #47 | 7,197 | ▼ down 20 · -45% births |
| 1965 | #27 | 13,097 | — |
The story of Debra
Debra entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. It peaked at #2 in 1956, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 552K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3106 in 1915 to #1579 in 2023. Debra is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Debra in 1956:
Debra by decade
Debra peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 42 | |
| 1920s | 94 | |
| 1930s | 468 | |
| 1940s | 5,438 | |
| 1950s ★ | 341,903 | |
| 1960s | 154,183 | |
| 1970s | 34,725 | |
| 1980s | 9,854 | |
| 1990s | 3,128 | |
| 2000s | 1,212 | |
| 2010s | 542 | |
| 2020s | 44 | |
What are good nicknames for Debra?
ENGLISH
DebDebbiDebbieDebbyDebi
What names sound and feel like Debra?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Debra also consider these
How is Debra written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Debra
What does the name Debra mean?
Debra means "bee" — a name rooted in American 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 Debra?
Debra is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Debra?
Debra originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Debra a common or rare name?
Debra is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Debra more of a girl or boy name?
Debra is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.