Derek is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #256 in 2018 with 1,408 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 3,920 births ranking #101. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 64.1%. In 2018, approximately 1 in every 1,289 boys born was named Derek. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Derek is a modern-looking classic that ultimately means "ruler of the people". It has a neat, practical sound and a deeper history than many people realise.
The name developed through continental European forms before becoming well established in English. It was especially popular in the twentieth century and still feels familiar and grounded.