Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Debora
GirlHebrew, Spanish· “variant of Deborah, bee”
- Meaning
- variant of Deborah, bee
- Origin
- Hebrew, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- DEHB-ur-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,336
- US babies 2025
- 78
- Best rank
- #161 (1956)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Debora
Debora is a Hebrew and Spanish name that means “variant of Deborah, bee”.
Debora is the Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and German spelling of Deborah, a Hebrew name meaning "bee." In the Book of Judges, Deborah is a prophetess and judge of Israel who led the victory over the Canaanite general Sisera, and her song is one of the oldest passages in the Hebrew Bible. The name was taken up by English Puritans and later became a twentieth-century favorite in the US. This spelling is pronounced DEHB-ur-uh in English, while in Spanish and Portuguese it is often deh-BOH-rah. Familiar short forms include Deb and Debbie, which carry a friendly mid-century feel.
Other spellings with the same sound: Debra.
Popularity over time
Debora first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1948. Its best national rank was #161 in 1956, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 2,371 were named Debora. In 2025, 78 babies were named Debora, and it ranked #2,336 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #437 in 1950, #1,679 in 1980, #2,436 in 2000, #2,154 in 2010, and #2,336 in 2025. Of the 30,133 US girls named Debora since records began, 50% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 9,632 babies. Since 2010, 1,388 more have been named Debora.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Doreen, Joy, Vicky, Dianna, and Marianne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Debora ranked highest in North Carolina, Florida, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | #1512 | 5 |
| Florida | #1956 | 6 |
| California | #2139 | 9 |
| New York | #2173 | 5 |
| Texas | #2263 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Debora is usually pronounced DEHB-ur-uh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-ra”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Debra.
Middle names for Debora
A few middle names that flow with Debora: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Debora
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Lists that include Debora
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Debora mean?
Debora is a Hebrew and Spanish name that means “variant of Deborah, bee”.
What is the origin of the name Debora?
Debora has Hebrew and Spanish roots. Debora is the Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and German spelling of Deborah, a Hebrew name meaning "bee." In the Book of Judges, Deborah is a prophetess and judge of Israel who led the victory over the Canaanite general Sisera, and her song is one of the oldest passages in the Hebrew Bible.
Is Debora a popular name?
Not especially. Debora ranked #2,336 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Debora a boy or girl name?
Debora is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Debora?
Debora is usually pronounced DEHB-ur-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings