Derrick is a name of African origin, specifically from the Ewe people of present-day Ghana and Togo. Its meaning varies depending on the source, but it's often translated as "warrior" or "valiant". In some cases, Derrick is also associated with the Irish name Dermot, which means "warlike".
The name Derrick first gained popularity in the United Kingdom during the 19th century, likely due to its association with the Irish name Dermot. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Derrick became widely used as a given name throughout English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Derrick. For instance, there's Derek Walcott, a Nobel laureate in Literature from St Lucia; and Derrick Henry, a professional American football player for the Tennessee Titans. These figures have helped to further popularize and solidify the name Derrick in modern times.
In terms of popularity, Derrick peaked in the late 20th century. It was among the top 100 names for boys in several English-speaking countries during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it remains a relatively common choice but has somewhat declined from its peak.
Overall, Derrick is an interesting name with a rich history, offering parents a strong and distinctive option for their sons that's not overly popular yet maintains a familiar ring to it.
The name Derrick has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century. Here are some interesting statistics about its usage:
From 1917 to 1965, the number of babies named Derrick remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 births each year on average. However, starting in 1963, there was a significant increase in popularity, with over 1,900 babies named Derrick that year alone.
The peak years for naming babies Derrick were between 1963 and 1972, during which time the number of births with this name ranged from approximately 2,000 to nearly 4,000 each year. In fact, Derrick was one of the top 50 most popular boys' names in the United States during these years.
However, popularity began to decline after the early 1970s. By 1980, the number of babies named Derrick had dropped to around 4,000 births per year, and it continued to decrease steadily throughout the rest of the century.
Despite this decline, Derrick remained a popular name among African American parents. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2021, Derrick ranked as the 8th most popular boy's name among black Americans.
Overall, since 1917, there have been over 144,743 babies named Derrick born in the United States. This demonstrates that while popularity has fluctuated over time, Derrick remains a well-loved and enduring choice for parents.