Declining since 1985, #862 for girls today.
Popularity of Deborah since 1880
Babies named Deborah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 143 |
| 1890s | 183 |
| 1900s | 226 |
| 1910s | 651 |
| 1920s | 1,070 |
| 1930s | 2,808 |
| 1940s | 44,054 |
| 1950s | 430,537 |
| 1960s | 183,439 |
| 1970s | 47,855 |
| 1980s | 14,783 |
| 1990s | 7,574 |
| 2000s | 4,284 |
| 2010s | 3,429 |
| 2020s | 1,784 |
Meaning & origin
Deborah is a classic Hebrew name meaning 'bee,' rooted in the Old Testament story of a wise and courageous prophetess. In the United States, Deborah experienced its greatest popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1954 when it was a top choice for baby girls. Since 1985, the name has been on a steady decline, falling from widespread use to a rank of 862 by 2025, when approximately 1 in every 5,135 newborn girls was given the name. Despite its decreasing usage, Deborah maintains a strong presence in certain regions, particularly in the top states of Minnesota, Indiana, and Connecticut, where its heritage and biblical significance are cherished.
Deborah is the English rendering of the Hebrew name Devorah (דְּבוֹרָה), which literally means 'bee.' The name appears in the Old Testament as that of a prophetess and the fourth judge of Israel, who, alongside the military commander Barak, led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites as recounted in the Book of Judges. Her story, particularly the 'Song of Deborah,' is one of the oldest passages in the Bible and highlights her role as a leader, poet, and mother in Israel. The name was adopted by English Puritans in the 17th century and saw widespread use among Christians, gaining significant popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States.
Where Deborah 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.
“Deborah” around the world
Where Deborah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Deb, Debbie, Debby
Sibling names for Deborah
Names that share Deborah's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Susan, Sharon, Paula, Michele, Rebecca, Brenda, Cheryl, Cynthia, Dianne, Donna, Linda, Lori, Marcia, Marsha, Sheryl, Tracey, Cinthia, Diann, Kathie, Lesli, Patrica, Sondra, Suzan, Anglea, Bethann, Davida, Kathey, Loriann, Marylynn, Melynda, Pamella, Rebeccah, Suanne, Synthia, Cherylann, Cynitha, Cythia, Kristene, Leaann, Lizanne, Mylinda, Patrisha, Sharone, Sharry, Sherrilyn, Suzzanne, Terriann, Tracia, Cheril, Cherilynn, Cynithia, Debanhi, Dejuana, Judieth, Kathye, Krisann, Lauraann, Lynanne, Lynnmarie, Marikay, Patrici, Sherrilynn, Terrianne, Cythnia, Geriann, Kimetha, Lizann, Marsheila, Pamelyn, Pattiann, Sandar, Sheriann, Sherryll
Brothers: Michael, David, Daniel, Mark, Steven, Daryl, Doug, Gregory, Rodney, Terry, Timothy, Darrel, Garry, Jeffry, Rod, Daryle, Japheth, Donathan, Gerad, Jehu, Othniel, Darryle, Dereke, Jeris, Jerris, Mitcheal, Daril, Deddrick
Names like Deborah
Names whose popularity has moved with Deborah's over the last 50 years.
