Holding steady.
Popularity of Debby since 1923
Babies named Debby per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 12 |
| 1930s | 96 |
| 1940s | 750 |
| 1950s | 4,460 |
| 1960s | 3,354 |
| 1970s | 564 |
| 1980s | 216 |
| 1990s | 127 |
| 2000s | 73 |
| 2010s | 45 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Debby, a classic mid-century diminutive, peaked in popularity in 1959 when it was a top choice for American girls. Its trajectory has been stable in recent decades, though it no longer ranks among the top 1,000 names as of 2025. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1923, reflecting its rise as an independent given name during the 20th century.
Debby originated as a pet form of Deborah, from the Hebrew name דְּבוֹרָה (Devorah), meaning 'bee'. Deborah was a prophetess and judge in the Old Testament, giving the name a strong biblical legacy. Debby became a popular independent given name in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States in the 1950s.
Where Debby is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Deb, Debs
Sibling names for Debby
Names that share Debby's style, for a brother or sister.
