Holding steady.
Popularity of Dera since 1893
Babies named Dera per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dera's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 10 |
| 1900s | 21 |
| 1910s | 71 |
| 1920s | 71 |
| 1930s | 42 |
| 1940s | 38 |
| 1950s | 53 |
| 1960s | 41 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 35 |
| 1990s | 31 |
| 2000s | 15 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Dera is a rare name with a mysterious past. First recorded in the U.S. in 1893, it has never cracked the Top 1000, making it a standout choice for parents seeking something truly uncommon. Its peak year so far remains 1893, and its trajectory has been stable, never gaining wide popularity. The name may have English roots as a short form of Debra or Deborah, but it also resonates with Igbo speakers in Nigeria, where 'dera' means 'beloved'. This dual heritage gives Dera a subtle cross-cultural appeal. Because it has never ranked, each bearer contributes to its quiet legacy, a blank slate for a child to define.
Dera may have multiple origins. It could be a diminutive of Debra (a variant of Deborah, meaning "bee" in Hebrew) or a short form of names such as Deraunde. Alternatively, in Igbo (Nigeria), 'dera' means "beloved" or "good" and is common in names like Chioma (good God) or Dera (short form). Its first recorded use in U.S. data is 1893, though it has never been common.
Sibling names for Dera
Names that share Dera's style, for a brother or sister.
