Holding steady.
Popularity of Derk since 1950
Babies named Derk per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 96 |
| 1960s | 167 |
| 1970s | 143 |
| 1980s | 95 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Derk is a Dutch name that has seen modest use in the United States. First recorded in 1950, it peaked in popularity in 1967, though it never entered the top 1000 names nationally. The name's trajectory has been stable, indicating consistent but low-level usage over the decades. As a variant of Dirk, it carries the strong, simple sound common in Dutch names, yet remains distinctive in English-speaking countries. While no state has recorded top-tier usage for Derk, its Dutch heritage and straightforward pronunciation make it a recognizable but uncommon choice.
Derk is a Dutch given name, typically considered a variant of Dirk. Dirk itself originates as a short form of Diederik, which derives from the Germanic elements 'þeud' (people) and 'rīc' (power, ruler), thus meaning 'ruler of the people'. The name Derk has been used in the Netherlands since at least the mid-20th century, though it has never been common. Its usage in the United States has been sporadic, with a peak in 1967.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Dirk
Sibling names for Derk
Names that share Derk's style, for a brother or sister.
