Derna

“Gift” — Embodies the sentiment of being a 'gift

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1834US 2023

366Births / yr

→Stable

31All-time births

📅 Since 191200

How to pronounce Derna

duh·ah·ren·AY

/də.ˌɑ.ˌrɛn.ˈeɪ/ · stress on AY · 4 syllables

“Gift”

Embodies the sentiment of being a 'gift · Arabic origin

What does Derna mean and where does it come from?

Derna is an Arabic name that may also refer to a city in Libya that has significant historical importance. The name itself embodies the sentiment of being a 'gift,' and its use can vary across different regions. Historically, Derna has been known for its strategic location and its culture, making th

Cultural significance

Derna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift.

Peak popularity

Reached #1976 in 1912 — currently #1834 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Derna?

Derna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Derna Grace

How popular is Derna right now?

Holding steady — currently #1834 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1834 · Top 1.4%

1915

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1834	366	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1839	346	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2021	#1844	316	▲ up 2693 · +6220% births
1915	#4537	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Derna

Best Year2023Rank #1834

Peak Count366

Average Rank#2514

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1915 - 20234 years

The story of Derna

Derna entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 31 total births recorded, Derna remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4537 in 1915 to #1834 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Derna in 1912:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

💎Derna has only 31 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Derna?

Common

DerDe

Famous people named Derna

Derna (Arab poet)

Derna carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

Derna (Sufi mystic)

Derna used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Derna (Islamic scholar)

Derna bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Derna (Quranic figure)

Derna appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

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What names sound and feel like Derna?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Derna also consider these

Deria

Arabic · Arabic

Devna

India · Divine, Goddess-like

Spanish · Brave bear.

Ferna

Spanish · ferns, plant

Herna

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Derna

What does the name Derna mean?

Derna means "Gift" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Derna?

Derna is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Derna?

Derna originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic 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 Derna?

Derna is a four-syllable name pronounced D AH0 AA2 R EH2 N EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Derna?

Derna pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.