Deborah may feel a bit old-fashioned, but it remains one of the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States and has been since at least the late 1800s. It was even a top 10 name during the 1950s. It's a biblical moniker with several cute nicknames, and it pairs well with a variety of middle names, ranging from classics to more modern options.
Meaning of the name Deborah:
Hebrew: Bee
Origin of the name Deborah:
Deborah is derived from the Hebrew word “dēvōrah,” which means bee.
Symbolism of the name Deborah:
In the Bible, Deborah is the only female judge and prophet, which symbolizes leadership and breaking barriers. Because it means “bee,” the name could also symbolize hard work and prosperity.

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Style of the name Deborah:
Classic
Gender of the name Deborah:
Deborah is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Deborah:
DEHB-ruh
Number of syllables in the name Deborah:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Deborah:
The baby name Deborah evokes images of someone who is a problem-solver and who gets things done.
Alternative spellings for the name Deborah:
Nicknames for the name Deborah:
Popularity of the name Deborah:
According to the Social Security Administration, Deborah has been a top 1,000 baby name for girls in the United States since at least 1900. It was even a top 10 name for baby girls during the 1950s. It last ranked at number 907 in 2020.
Related names for the name Deborah:
Great middle names for Deborah and their meanings:
- Rose (flower)
- Adeline (noble)
- Ann (favor or grace)
- Ruby (precious red stone)
- Blake (fair or dark)
- Violet (purple flower)
- Claire (bright, clear)
- Elizabeth (pledged to God)
- Brielle (hunting grounds)
- Snow (snow)
Famous people with the name Deborah:
- Deborah Kerr (actress)
- Deborah Cox (singer)
- Deborah “Debbie” Harry (singer)
- Deborah Voig (singer)
- Deborah “Debbie” Gibson (singer)
Deborahs in popular culture:
- Deborah Owens (character in the book “The Secret Life of Bees”)
- Deborah Gale (character from the book “His Family”)
- Deborah “Debbie” Scott (character on the TV show “One Tree Hill”)
- Deborah “Debbie” Gallagher (character on the TV show “Shameless”)
- Deborah “Debbie” Thornberry (character on the TV Show “The Wild Thornberrys”)