Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Derek.
National Rank (2025)
#284
All-Time Peak Rank
#50 (1980)
Total U.S. Births
239,060
Unisex Distribution99.6% Boy / 0.4% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Derek Vibe: This choice is considered a Declining Classic. A previously dominant name currently experiencing a prolonged generational cooling period.
📖 The Story Behind Derek
According to SSA data, Derek achieved its highest historical rank of #50 in 1980. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1989 with 8,365 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 36.8%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 97 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Derek scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Rising
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-36.8% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record8,365Births in 1989
Years in Top 100
26yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
97Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:0
1890s:0
1900s:0
1910s:0
1920s:12
1930s:155
1940s:533
1950s:5,245
1960s:19,021
1970s:38,310
1980s:72,923
1990s:50,756
2000s:27,025
2010s:17,978
2020s:7,102
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesDe-rek
Letter Count5 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 7.7% of SSA names. Starts with D, a letter used by only 6.6% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Derek? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics