Derrick Name Meaning & Origin | Middle Names For Derrick

Derrick is one of many alternative spellings of the name Derek. While versions of it were popular in Europe for several centuries, the name didn't become popular in the United States and most other English-speaking countries until the middle of the 20th century. During the 1970s and 1980s, it was even a top 100 baby name for boys.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Derrick:

Derrick is a derivative of the Germanic name Theodoric. That name was formed from the elements “þeud,” which means “people,” and “rīc,” which means “ruler”. Therefore, Derrick can be interpreted to mean “ruler of people”.

Symbolism of the Name Derrick:

Because Derrick means “ruler of the people,” the name may symbolize great leadership. New parents may choose it in hopes that their little ones grow up to be CEOs and managers.

Style of the Name Derrick:

Modern

Gender of the Name Derrick:

Derrick is a boy's name.

Pronunciation of the Name Derrick:

DEHR-ik

Number of Syllables in the Name Derrick:

Two

Emotion Evoked From the Name Derrick:

The baby name Derrick evokes images of someone who enjoys excitement and adventure.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Derrick:

• Derek
• Derrek
• Derick
• Derreck
• Deric

Nicknames for the Name Derrick:

When it comes to this name, you have a lot of options for nicknames. Check out our complete list of the best nicknames for Derrick:

• Der
• Rex
• Rick
• Derry
• Dirk
• Eric
• Erick
• Dierks
• Rix
• Ricky
• Rexers
• Dick
• Derck

Popularity of the Name Derrick:

Derrick first made the list of the top 1,000 baby names for boys in the United States in 1948. As of 2022, it ranks at number 715, according to the Social Security Administration.

Related Names for the Name Derrick:

• Dylan
• Richard
• Theodore
• Zachary
• Joshua

Great Middle Names for Derrick and Their Meanings:

• Ethan (strong, firm)
• Andrew (manly)
• Jude (praised)
• James (supplanter)
• Nathaniel (gift of God)
• Thomas (twin)
• George (farmer)
• Arlo (between hills)
• Augustus (magnificent)

Famous People with the Name Derrick:

• Derrick Henry (football player)
• Derrick Alston (basketball player and coach)
• Derrick Barnes (author)
• Derrick Rose (basketball player)
• Derrick Brooks (football player)

Derricks in Popular Culture:

• Derrick Harrington (character from the “The Clique” book series)
• Derrick Adler (character on the TV show “Close to Home”)
• Derrick Farrar (character in the book “Vital Signs”)

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/zdenkam