Declining since 1985, #850 for boys today.
Popularity of Derrick since 1917
Babies named Derrick per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 12 |
| 1930s | 57 |
| 1940s | 333 |
| 1950s | 6,173 |
| 1960s | 21,192 |
| 1970s | 32,860 |
| 1980s | 36,342 |
| 1990s | 23,991 |
| 2000s | 13,531 |
| 2010s | 8,559 |
| 2020s | 2,286 |
Meaning & origin
Derrick appeared on the U.S. naming scene as early as 1917, but it reached its peak popularity in 1980 when it ranked among the top choices for boys. Since 1985, the name has been on a steady decline in usage, reflecting a broader shift away from many mid-century favorites. In its peak decade of the 1980s, Derrick was particularly well-liked in southern states such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Maryland, which show up as its top states of use. Despite its falling trajectory, once every 5,931 baby boys still receive the name Derrick today, keeping it familiar but uncommon.
Derrick is a variant of the name Derek, which itself comes from the Low German name Diederik, a short form of Theodoric. Theodoric is composed of the elements 'þeudo' (people) and 'rīche' (ruler), thus meaning 'ruler of the people'. The name was introduced to England by Flemish and Dutch settlers and saw notable use in the United States during the 20th century.
Where Derrick 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.
“Derrick” around the world
Where Derrick lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Derry, Rick, Ricky
Sibling names for Derrick
Names that share Derrick's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Brittany, Shannon, Paige, Lauren, Tara, Ericka, Melaney, Brittnee, Janiece, Terrica, Chaundra, Dericka, Derika, Derricka, Jolynne, Rolonda, Sharisse, Sherena, Chantia, Chondra, Deanndra, Derrica, Merinda, Sherisse, Terricka, Trenia, Deriyah, Merrissa, Cheresa, Cherica, Chivonne, Decarla, Derrika, Erricka, Jamiesha, Rickita, Roderica, Trichelle
Brothers: Troy, Shaun, Dwayne, Kirk, Brent, Terrance, Antwan, Chadrick, Detrick, Errick, Jerone, Tyrik, Daiel, Denard, Gerrick, Kendrell, Tedrick, Terral, Chadric, Deldrick, Deray, Eddrick, Jarrick, Jermale, Deddrick, Jermine, Jerrik, Jonavon, Rodgerick, Sherrick, Trevaris
Names like Derrick
Names whose popularity has moved with Derrick's over the last 50 years.
