Deborah is a Hebrew given name that comes from the biblical figure of Deborah, who was a prophetess and a judge in ancient Israel. In Hebrew, her name means "bee," symbolizing sweetness and industriousness.
The name Deborah first appears in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament, where she is described as a fearless leader who inspired courage in others during a time of crisis. She served as a judge for 40 years and was known for her wisdom and justice. The most famous story about Deborah involves her role in encouraging the warrior Barak to fight against the Canaanite general Sisera, which ultimately led to Israel's victory.
In addition to its biblical origins, the name Deborah has been popular throughout history among Jewish communities around the world. It has also gained popularity among non-Jewish populations in recent years due to its unique sound and its association with strong female figures like the biblical Deborah herself.
Today, people named Deborah can be found in various cultures and walks of life, carrying on a rich tradition that spans centuries and continents. Whether inspired by the bee's sweetness or Deborah's courageous leadership, this distinctive name continues to capture the imagination of parents looking for meaningful names for their daughters.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Deborah has shown significant popularity and fluctuations over time in the United States.
In the late 1930s to early 1940s, the name Deborah was given to an average of around 6 babies per year. However, this number began to rise sharply in the mid-1940s, with a significant jump from 26 births in 1948 to 47 births in 1950. This trend continued into the early 1950s, peaking at 94 births in 1952.
The popularity of Deborah as a baby name seemed to reach its peak between 1950 and 1956, with an average of over 80 babies named Deborah each year during this period. However, after 1957, the popularity began to decline steadily. By the late 1960s, around 30-50 babies were being named Deborah each year.
This downward trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with an average of around 20 births per year from 1974 onwards. Interestingly, there was a brief spike in popularity in the late 1970s, with 30 births in 1973 and 21 births in 1977.
Overall, based on these statistics, Deborah has been given to approximately 1659 babies in total in the United States since 1939. While it was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, its popularity has waned significantly in recent decades.