Debbie is a female given name of English origin. It is derived from the masculine name David, which means "beloved" or "dearly loved." The name Debbie is often used as a diminutive form of the name Deborah, another feminine version of David.
The name Debbie first gained popularity during the late 19th century and early 20th century. It was often used as a nickname for girls named Deborah, but over time it became a popular given name in its own right. In fact, the name Debbie reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, where it was consistently ranked among the top ten names for girls during those decades.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Debbie. One of the most famous is American singer-songwriter Debbie Harry, who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the new wave band Blondie in the late 1970s. Other notable Debbies include American actress Debbie Reynolds, known for her roles in films such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," and Canadian writer Debbie Macomber, who has written over one hundred novels.
Today, the name Debbie remains a popular choice among parents looking to give their daughters a classic yet timeless name. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, it continues to be recognized as a beloved and enduring name with a rich history behind it.
The popularity of the name Debbie peaked in the mid-20th century, with a significant increase starting from the late 1940s to the early 1950s. The highest number of births recorded was in 1957 with 14,385 births. However, its usage began to decline steadily after the 1960s, reaching an all-time low in recent years, with only 29 births recorded in 2023.