Holding steady.
Popularity of Derry since 1914
Babies named Derry per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Derry's real moment was 1934.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 20 |
| 1920s | 0 | 67 |
| 1930s | 20 | 155 |
| 1940s | 30 | 201 |
| 1950s | 48 | 335 |
| 1960s | 28 | 261 |
| 1970s | 11 | 187 |
| 1980s | 0 | 131 |
| 1990s | 0 | 102 |
| 2000s | 0 | 63 |
| 2010s | 0 | 19 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Derry is a name that peaked in usage in 1934, reflecting a modest mid-century popularity. Its trajectory has been stable but low, and it has not ranked in the top 1000 since the mid-20th century. The exact origin is debated, with some connecting it to the Irish place name Derry, meaning 'oak grove,' and others seeing it as a short form of Derek, a German-derived name meaning 'people's ruler.' The name's first recorded use in U.S. data is 1914, and it has seen little revival, remaining a rare choice.
Derry likely originates as a short form of Derek, which itself is a German name meaning 'people's ruler.' Alternatively, it may derive from the Irish county or city name Derry, from the Gaelic 'doire' meaning 'oak grove.' The name saw sporadic use in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1930s, but has since remained uncommon.
Sibling names for Derry
Names that share Derry's style, for a brother or sister.
