Detlef

Detlef is a masculine given name of German origin. It is most common in Germany and in other German-speaking areas, and it is also used in Denmark and other parts of Northern Europe. Variant spellings include Detlev and Detleif. The name is primarily used as a given name; it is rarely found as a surname.

Notable people named Detlef include Detlef Schrempf, a German-born American former professional basketball player who had a long NBA career; and Detlef Soost, a German dancer, choreographer, and television presenter.

In onomastic terms, Detlef is part of a tradition of Germanic compounds and has declined in popularity in recent decades in favor of newer names, though it remains in use among older generations.