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Debbie
♀ Girl
Pronounced DEB-ee /ˈdɛb.i/High
Meaning: Pet form of Deborah — from Hebrew Devorah, 'bee'High
In 30 seconds: Sweet and retro: Debbie pets Deborah — 'bee'. Cheerful, warm, and classic (Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Harry).
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Origin MediumHebrew
MeaningPet form of Deborah — from Hebrew Devorah, 'bee'
U.S. rank (2025)#5284 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births24 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1959
Total births (all-time)≈ 187,852
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Debbie is a pet form of Deborah — from Hebrew Devorah, 'bee' (a biblical prophetess and judge). A cheerful, retro nickname-name, hugely popular mid-century.
It registers thinly today. Rare now, bee at the root, and cheerful.
Did you know? Deborah means 'bee' in Hebrew (the biblical prophetess and judge) — Debbie is its sunny, retro nickname (Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Harry).
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Deborah — root etymology
Variations
DeborahDebbiDebby
Nicknames
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Debbie mean?
Debbie pets Deborah — Hebrew 'bee'.
How do you pronounce Debbie?
It's said DEB-ee /ˈdɛb.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Debbie a boy or girl name?
Debbie is a girl's name.
How popular is Debbie?
Debbie is a rare name on its own in the U.S. today.