Boy Name · Germanic Origin
Derek
Last reviewed: June 2026
Derek is a boy baby name of Germanic origin, meaning "Ruler of the people". It currently sits in the Top 500 tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Derek often also consider Derrek.
Names like Derek
Frequently asked about Derek
What does the name Derek mean?
Derek means "Ruler of the people" and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of Derek?
Derek originates in Germanic naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Derek?
Derek has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Derek a boy's or girl's name?
Derek is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Derek in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Derek sits in the Top 500 tier — familiar without being overly common.
What names are similar to Derek?
Names that share Derek's sound and style include Derrek, Darek, Derik, Derick, Dereck.