Deborah
Deborah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Bee”, pronounced DEB-or-ah. It ranked #864 in the United States in 2025, given to 313 babies, and peaked at #2 in 1955. Common nicknames: Debbie, Deb, Dev.
How popular is Deborah in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Deborah mean, and where does it come from?
Deborah is the Hebrew devorah, "bee," and the name of the only woman among the judges of Israel — a prophetess who held court under a palm tree, summoned Barak to battle and sang the victory song that is among the oldest passages in the Hebrew Bible. Puritan families brought the name to America in the seventeenth century, and it came back so strongly in the twentieth that it stood at second place for American girls in 1955. Debbie belonged to that generation; the full name has aged better than its nickname.
How is Deborah used around the world?
Deborah is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Deborah?
Famous People Named Deborah
- Deborah Kerr — British actress, six-time Academy Award nominee
- Deborah Harry — American singer and frontwoman of Blondie
- Deborah Ann Woll — American actress
Similar Names to Deborah
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Sibling Name Ideas for Deborah
Looking for names that pair well with Deborah? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Deborah mean?
Deborah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Bee." Deborah is the Hebrew devorah, "bee," and the name of the only woman among the judges of Israel — a prophetess who held court under a palm tree, summoned Barak to battle and sang the victory song that is among the oldest passages in the Hebrew Bible. Puritan families brought the name to America in the seventeenth century, and it came back so strongly in the twentieth that it stood at second place for American girls in 1955.
How do you pronounce Deborah?
Deborah is pronounced DEB-or-ah. Common variations include Debora, Débora, Devorah.
Is Deborah a girl name?
Yes, Deborah is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Debbie, Deb, Dev.