Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Deborah
GirlHebrew· “bee”
- Meaning
- bee
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- DEB-er-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #864
- US babies 2025
- 313
- Best rank
- #2 (1955)
- Peak year
- 1954
Meaning and origin of Deborah
Deborah is a Hebrew name that means “bee”.
Deborah comes from the Hebrew Devorah, meaning "bee." In the Book of Judges, Deborah is a prophet and judge of Israel who leads her people to victory, and the Song of Deborah is one of the oldest passages in the Hebrew Bible. The name was taken up by English Puritans after the Reformation, and it became very popular in the United States in the mid twentieth century. Deborah carries associations of wisdom, leadership and industry, reflecting the busy bee of its meaning. Deb, Debbie and Debra are familiar variations.
Popularity over time
Deborah has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #2 in 1955, and the most babies received it in 1954, when 54,674 were named Deborah. In 2025, 313 babies were named Deborah, and it ranked #864 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #799 in 1920, #7 in 1950, #146 in 1980, #494 in 2000, #774 in 2010, and #864 in 2025. Of the 742,820 US girls named Deborah since records began, 58% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 183,439 babies. Since 2010, 5,213 more have been named Deborah.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Debra, Susan, Pamela, Diane, and Janet.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Deborah ranked highest in Minnesota, Indiana, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #433 | 12 |
| Indiana | #454 | 15 |
| New Jersey | #479 | 16 |
| Connecticut | #487 | 6 |
| Maryland | #564 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Deborah is usually pronounced DEB-er-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with D and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Deborah
A few middle names that flow with Deborah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Deborah
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Lists that include Deborah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Deborah mean?
Deborah is a Hebrew name that means “bee”.
What is the origin of the name Deborah?
Deborah has Hebrew roots. Deborah comes from the Hebrew Devorah, meaning "bee." In the Book of Judges, Deborah is a prophet and judge of Israel who leads her people to victory, and the Song of Deborah is one of the oldest passages in the Hebrew Bible.
Is Deborah a popular name?
Yes. Deborah ranked #864 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Deborah a boy or girl name?
Deborah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Deborah?
Deborah is usually pronounced DEB-er-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