Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Chidera

Chidera

♀ Girl

Pronounced chih-DEH-rah /tʃɪˈdɛ.rɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Igbo (Nigerian), 'what God has written; as God decides/wills' (Chi, 'God', plus dera, 'has written/decided'); here for girls; used for both sexesMedium

In 30 seconds: As God decides: Chidera is Igbo for 'what God has written; as God wills'. Devout, lyrical, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'chih-DEH-rah').
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumIgbo
MeaningFrom Igbo (Nigerian), 'what God has written; as God decides/wills' (Chi, 'God', plus dera, 'has written/decided'); here for girls; used for both sexes
U.S. rank (2024)#5820 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births21 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 527

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201419932024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Chidera comes from Igbo (Nigerian), 'what God has written; as God decides or wills' (Chi, 'God; one's personal guardian spirit', plus dera, 'has written, has decreed'). A devout, lyrical name of trust in God's will, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished; said 'chih-DEH-rah'; nickname Chidi, Dera).

In the U.S. it appears in Nigerian families. Rare, as-God-decides at the root, and devout.

Did you know? Chidera means 'what God has written; as God decides/wills' in Igbo (Chi, 'God; one's personal spirit', plus dera, 'has written/decided') — a devout, lyrical Nigerian name, used for both sexes (said 'chih-DEH-rah').
Overall data confidence 68%
Igbo references — Chidera — etymology

Variations

Chidera

Nicknames

Dera

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Chidera…

Chizara— another Igbo name
Amarra— echoes that soft -ra sound
Zikora— lands in the same popularity range
Amara— lands in the same popularity range
Chizaram— a fellow Igbo choice

Explore names like Chidera

By themeunisexdevotionalwest-africanigbo
By meaningGod / Divine

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Chidera mean?

Chidera is Igbo for 'what God has written; as God decides/wills'.

How do you pronounce Chidera?

It's said chih-DEH-rah /tʃɪˈdɛ.rɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Chidera a boy or girl name?

Chidera is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Chidera?

Chidera is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia