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Deborah

♀ Girl

Pronounced DEB-er-uh /ˈdɛb.ər.ə/High

Meaning: From the Hebrew devorah meaning 'bee', specifically the honeybee, which was associated in ancient Israelite culture with wisdom, industry, and the sweetness of the divine covenant; the name of a prophetess and judge in the Book of JudgesHigh

In 30 seconds: Deborah is a beautiful Hebrew name meaning bee, borne by one of the Bible's most powerful women — the prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory. Its sweetness and strength are perfectly balanced.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom the Hebrew devorah meaning 'bee', specifically the honeybee, which was associated in ancient Israelite culture with wisdom, industry, and the sweetness of the divine covenant; the name of a prophetess and judge in the Book of Judges
U.S. rank (2025)#864 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births313 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1954
Total births (all-time)≈ 742,817

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195418802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Deborah comes from the Hebrew devorah (bee), reflecting the bee's ancient associations with wisdom, industry, community, and the sweetness of honey. In the Hebrew Bible, Deborah was both a prophetess and the fourth Judge of Israel (Judges 4–5), a military leader who summoned Barak to battle against the Canaanites. She composed the Song of Deborah, one of the oldest passages in the Hebrew scriptures.

Deborah was popular in Puritan communities from the 17th century onward, beloved for its strong biblical heroine association. In the United States it reached peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, ranking in the top 5 girls names. Actress Deborah Kerr and singer Debbie Harry kept the name highly visible. Today it carries a warm baby-boomer nostalgia alongside its ancient spiritual depth.

Did you know? Deborah in the Book of Judges is the only female judge of Israel and the only biblical judge described as a prophet — she led the Israelite army against the Canaanite general Sisera and composed one of the oldest poems in the Hebrew Bible, the Song of Deborah.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Deborah — Hebrew etymology and biblical backgroundJudges 4–5, Hebrew Bible — biblical Deborah as prophetess and judge

Variations

DebraDebbieDevorah

Nicknames

DebbieDeb

Famous Bearers

  • ★Deborah (biblical prophetess) (biblical)
    Hebrew prophetess and fourth Judge of Israel who led the nation against the Canaanites; associated with the Song of Deborah in the Book of Judges.
  • ★Debbie Harry (1945–present)
    American singer and songwriter, lead vocalist of the new wave band Blondie and a pioneering figure in punk and new wave music.

If you like Deborah…

Dorothy— same peak era of mid-20th century American popularity and dignified vintage feel
Shirley— shares the mid-century American girls name peak and the warm retro quality
Patricia— same generation of strong, dignified American feminine classics
Judith— fellow Hebrew biblical name of a powerful woman that peaked in the same era

Frequently Asked

What does the name Deborah mean?

Deborah means bee in Hebrew, associated with wisdom, industry, and the sweetness of the divine covenant.

How do you pronounce Deborah?

It is said DEB-er-uh, with three syllables.

Is Deborah a popular name?

Deborah was a top-5 U.S. girls name in the 1950s and 1960s; it has declined since but remains a warmly recognized classic.

Who was the biblical Deborah?

Deborah was a Hebrew prophetess and the only female judge of Israel, who led the army against the Canaanites and authored the Song of Deborah.