name
Common
Derek
DEH-rihk
Derek (name) means a masculine given name derived from the Germanic name Theodoric, meaning "ruler of the people.". Example: “Derek fixed the leaking pipe himself.”
name
1
A masculine given name derived from the Germanic name Theodoric, meaning "ruler of the people."
"Frederick or Derek Boothby was in his late fifties, the son of a naval officer and a daughter of the Earl of Limerick."
— James Robertson, And the Land Lay Still (2010)
"Derek fixed the leaking pipe himself."
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Etymology
Taken into English in the Middle Ages from a Middle Low German variant of Theodoric, then revived in the 19th century.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Derek” mean?
The word “Derek” means a masculine given name derived from the Germanic name Theodoric, meaning "ruler of the people.".
How do you pronounce “Derek”?
“Derek” is pronounced DEH-rihk (/ˈdɛɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “Derek” in a sentence?
Here is “Derek” used in a sentence: “Derek fixed the leaking pipe himself.”
What part of speech is “Derek”?
“Derek” is a name.
Is “Derek” a common word?
“Derek” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between Derek and Derrick?
Derek and Derrick are variant spellings of the same masculine given name and are pronounced identically. Derrick, with the double r and ck, is also an ordinary English noun for a lifting crane or the framework over an oil well, which is one reason the two spellings get mixed up.
Is Derek short for another name?
Derek is a complete name in its own right rather than a nickname, although it ultimately derives from the older Germanic name Theodoric, traditionally interpreted as "ruler of the people." Today it is given as a full name on its own.
Is Derek a male or female name?
Derek is traditionally a masculine given name, and feminine use is rare. Its variant spellings, such as Derrick and Derick, are likewise used almost entirely for boys and men.
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