Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Derrick

Derrick is a spelling variation of Derek. The name Derek came to England in the Middle Ages by way of the Flemish weavers who immigrated in large numbers to England from Flanders (modern day Belgium) starting in the 14th century. They were invited and encouraged to settle in England by King Edward III in an effort to develop the English weaving industry. Not only did they bring their spinning wheels, they also brought the name Derek. Derek was developed from the Old Germanic name Theodoric which is derived from the words “þeud” meaning ‘people, race’ and “rīc” meaning ‘power, ruler.’ Even through this personal male name had been around in England for several centuries, its popularity among English-speaking people did not take off until the middle of the 20th century.

All About the Baby Name – Derrick

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME DERRICK

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME DERRICK

The name Derrick mimics the same pattern on the U.S. popularity charts as his more popular twin brother, Derek. While Derek debuted on the charts in 1943, Derrick was quick to follow in 1948. Both variations of this name became rapidly popular in America and were Top 100 favorites by 1970. Derrick has been the more popular spelling among African-Americans and the name has seen quite a bit of success in states where blacks constitute a high percentage of the population (Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama). It seems that now we’ve entered the 21st century, both Derek and Derrick are showing signs of wear. Neither name is as popular as it was in the 1980s and 1990s, but it remains a classic German choice – both strong and powerful.

Quick Facts

ON DERRICK

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

German

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

331

PRONUNCIATION:

DARE-ik

SIMPLE MEANING:

People of power, rulers

Characteristics

OF DERRICK

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Derrick

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DERRICK

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Derrick

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DERRICK

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Derrick


Popular Songs

ON DERRICK

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Derrick


Famous People

NAMED DERRICK

Derrick Rose (basketball player)
Derrick Williams (basketball player)
Derrick Adkins (Track and Field Olympian)
Derrick Caracter (basketball player)
Derrick Gardner (jazz musician)
Derrick Morgan (reggae and ska musician)
Derrick Turnbow (baseball player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED DERRICK

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Derrick

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DERRICK

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Derrick