Dereck

English from German, variation of Derek

"the people's ruler"

Dereck Origin and Meaning

The name Dereck is a boy's name meaning "the people's ruler".

80s sensation Derek brought several spelling variations along for the ride, including Derick, Derrick, and Dereck. While this spelling fell off the charts in in '93, it has resurfaced in 2023 after rising a whopping 238 places. Also a fast-rising choice in 2024, Dereck ranked at #664, placing it below Derek (#258), but above Derrick (#817).

The name itself derives from the Old English Dederick, a variation of Theodoric, meaning "the people's ruler". The revival of Dere(c)k as a baby name (in all its various spellings) is also happening in Spain and it remains a familiar choice in Puerto Rico. In the UK, New Zealand, and Canada however, Dere(c)k would be a rarer choice.

American basketball player Dereck Lively II may have inspired people to use this spelling, given that its rise up the charts coincides with the beginning of the sport star's professional career.

Dereck Rank in US Top 1000

# 664 in the US

Popularity of the name Dereck

• 664 US 2024
• 71 Unique 2022

Famous People Named Dereck

• Dereck Eugene Davis American politician
• Dereck Chisora Zimbabwean,British boxer
• Dereck Whittenburg American basketball player and coach
• Dereck Leonard Faulkner American NFL football player

The name Dereck in Pop Culture

• Dereck Scott character from movie "My Girlfriend's Back"