name
Uncommon
Debra
DEHB-ruh
Debra (name) means a female first name popular in the 1950s and 1960s, a spelling variant of Deborah. Example: “Debra grew up in the same era as many other Deborahs, just with a different spelling.”
name
1
A female first name popular in the 1950s and 1960s, a spelling variant of Deborah.
""She's Debra Jean," the children shouted in chorus. "We decided last night with Daddy." - - - So her name is Debbie, I thought to myself. With a pretty name and a family to love her this baby has to make it."
— Marilyn M. Segal, Run Away (1966)
"Debra grew up in the same era as many other Deborahs, just with a different spelling."
"In previous years Penryn Town Council has used Falmouth Town Council to fulfil the parks contract and glyphosate had been used, councillor Debra Clegg confirmed."
— Lisa Young, Council delays decision about weedkiller use (2026)
How to use Debra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA variant spelling of Deborah, popular mid-century.
Easily confused with
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_____ grew up in the same era as many other Deborahs, just with a different spelling.
Etymology
A twentieth-century spelling variant of Deborah.
Class of 1900
Debra joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Debra
See all rhymes for Debra →Frequently asked questions
What does “Debra” mean?
The word “Debra” means a female first name popular in the 1950s and 1960s, a spelling variant of Deborah. In plain terms, a variant spelling of Deborah, popular mid-century.
How do you pronounce “Debra”?
“Debra” is pronounced DEHB-ruh (/ˈdɛbɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Debra” in a sentence?
Here is “Debra” used in a sentence: “Debra grew up in the same era as many other Deborahs, just with a different spelling.”
What part of speech is “Debra”?
“Debra” is a name.
Where does the word “Debra” come from?
The word “Debra” dates back to around 1900. A twentieth-century spelling variant of Deborah.
Is “Debra” a common word?
“Debra” is an uncommon word in modern English.
