Rising since 1999, #688 for boys today.
Popularity of Dereck since 1949
Babies named Dereck per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 196 |
| 1960s | 539 |
| 1970s | 779 |
| 1980s | 1,551 |
| 1990s | 1,146 |
| 2000s | 1,165 |
| 2010s | 1,361 |
| 2020s | 1,554 |
Meaning & origin
Dereck emerged as a variant spelling of the well-established Derek, first recorded in the U.S. in 1949. As of 2025, it ranks 688th, with roughly 1 in every 4,313 boys receiving the name. Its popularity has been rising steadily since 1999, reaching a peak in 2024. The name is most common in Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey, suggesting regional preferences for this modernized spelling.
Dereck is a respelling of Derek, itself an English form of the Old German name Theodoric, derived from elements meaning 'people' and 'ruler.' The name was introduced to England by Flemish weavers in the 15th century and later reinforced by German immigrants in the 19th century. This particular spelling emerged in the mid-20th century as a variant, possibly influenced by similar names like Eric.
Where Dereck is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Dereck” around the world
Where Dereck lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Derry, Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Dereck
Names that share Dereck's style, for a brother or sister.
