Debra

♀ Girl

Pronounced DEB-rə /ˈdɛb.rə/High

Meaning: Bee; a contracted spelling of Deborah, the prophet-judge and warrior of IsraelHigh

In 30 seconds: Deborah, trimmed for the midcentury: Debra means 'bee' — the prophet-judge who led Israel's armies. A Doris Day-era classic with a warrior's pedigree underneath.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningBee; a contracted spelling of Deborah, the prophet-judge and warrior of Israel

U.S. rank (2025)#4478 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births31 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1955

Total births (all-time)≈ 550,693

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

Debra contracts Deborah — Hebrew devorah, 'bee' — the prophet, judge, and military leader of Israel whose Song of Deborah is among the Bible's oldest poetry. The trimmed Debra peaked in 1950s-60s America (Debra Paget, Debra Winger) as midcentury parents favored streamlined spellings.

Today it is a rare Boomer-and-Gen-X classic, awaiting the cycle of revival. 'Bee' at the root, warrior in the footnotes.

Did you know? Deborah was the only female judge of Israel — prophet, poet, and general who summoned the army and sang the Bible's oldest victory hymn; 'bee' was busier than it sounds.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Deborah — etymology

Variations

DeborahDeboraDevorah

Nicknames

DebDebbie

Famous Bearers

★Debra Winger (1955-)
American actress nominated three times for an Academy Award
★Debra Messing (1968-)
American actress known for the sitcom Will & Grace
★Debra Jo Rupp (1951-)
American actress known for That 70s Show

If you like Debra…

Deborah— the full biblical name behind it

Devorah— the Hebrew-true spelling

Donna— a fellow midcentury staple

Diane— the companion 60s classic

Explore names like Debra

By themehebrew biblical vintage

By meaningWarrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Debra mean?

Debra is a spelling of Deborah, Hebrew for 'bee' — the prophet, judge, and warrior of Israel.

How do you pronounce Debra?

It's said DEB-rə /ˈdɛb.rə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Debra a boy or girl name?

Debra is a girl's name.

How popular is Debra?

Debra is rare for newborns today, a midcentury classic awaiting revival.