name
Uncommon
Deborah
DEHB-ruh
Deborah (name) means a female first name of Hebrew origin, especially popular from the 1940s through the 1970s. Example: “Deborah was one of the most popular girls' names in the mid-twentieth century.”
name
1
A female first name of Hebrew origin, especially popular from the 1940s through the 1970s.
"Deborah was one of the most popular girls' names in the mid-twentieth century."
2
In the Bible, a prophetess and judge who led ancient Israel.
"The Book of Judges describes Deborah leading Israel to victory in battle."
How to use Deborah
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional female first name meaning "bee" in Hebrew, and a biblical judge and prophetess.
Common pairings
the prophetess Deborah
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Word forms
- Plural
- Deborahs
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_____ was one of the most popular girls' names in the mid-twentieth century.
Etymology
From the Hebrew name דְּבוֹרָה (Dvora), meaning "bee".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Deborah
See all rhymes for Deborah →Frequently asked questions
What does “Deborah” mean?
The word “Deborah” means a female first name of Hebrew origin, especially popular from the 1940s through the 1970s. In plain terms, a traditional female first name meaning "bee" in Hebrew, and a biblical judge and prophetess.
How do you pronounce “Deborah”?
“Deborah” is pronounced DEHB-ruh (/ˈdɛb(ə)ɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Deborah” in a sentence?
Here is “Deborah” used in a sentence: “Deborah was one of the most popular girls' names in the mid-twentieth century.”
What part of speech is “Deborah”?
“Deborah” is a name.
Where does the word “Deborah” come from?
The word “Deborah” comes from Hebrew. From the Hebrew name דְּבוֹרָה (Dvora), meaning "bee".
Is “Deborah” a common word?
“Deborah” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Deborah” have?
“Deborah” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a female first name of Hebrew origin, especially popular from the 1940s through the 1970s.
What is the biblical significance of the name "Deborah"?
In the Bible, Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led ancient Israel, making the name significant in religious and historical contexts. This biblical figure is one reason the name has remained popular across generations.
When was the name "Deborah" most popular?
"Deborah" was especially popular as a female first name from the 1940s through the 1970s. Its popularity has declined somewhat since then, though it remains a recognizable and widely used name.
What are common nicknames for "Deborah"?
Common short forms of "Deborah" include "Debbie," "Deb," and "Debby." These nicknames are used informally in place of the full given name.
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