Derek

Derek is a masculine given name of English-language origin. It is derived from the Dutch name Diederik, itself a form of Theodoric, with the English spellings Derek and Derrik emerging in the late medieval period and becoming popular in the 20th century. The name ultimately derives from Germanic elements theod- “people” and ric “ruler,” giving an overall meaning of “ruler of the people” or “the people’s ruler.”

Usage and variants: Derek is most common in English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Variants and spellings include Derrik, Derrick, and, less commonly, Derick or Dereck. The name has appeared in popular culture and sport, contributing to its sustained usage.

Notable people: Notable individuals with the given name include Derek Jeter, American former professional baseball shortstop; Derek Carr, American football quarterback; Derek Trucks, American guitarist; Derek Luke, American actor; Derek Hough, American dancer and choreographer; and Derek Jarman, British film director and artist.

Fictional characters: Fictional bearers of the name appear in various media, such as Derek Morgan in Criminal Minds, Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy, and Derek Hale in the television series Teen Wolf.