Dedra

♀ Girl

Pronounced DEE-drah /ˈdiː.drə/Medium

Meaning: Dedra is a phonetic variant of Deirdre, a name from Irish legend whose meaning is uncertain — often glossed as 'sorrowful' or 'broken-hearted'. The simplified spelling reflects the American pronunciation.Low

In 30 seconds: Deirdre respelled: Dedra comes from Irish legend, often read as 'sorrowful' (said 'DEE-drah'). The meaning is debated.

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Origin LowIrish

MeaningDedra is a phonetic variant of Deirdre, a name from Irish legend whose meaning is uncertain — often glossed as 'sorrowful' or 'broken-hearted'. The simplified spelling reflects the American pronunciation.

U.S. rank (2007)#11882 ↗ Rising

2007 U.S. births9 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1963

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,418

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

Dedra is a variant of Deirdre, borne by a tragic heroine of Irish myth, whose meaning is uncertain (often 'sorrowful'). The simplified spelling appeared in mid-century America, cresting around 1963. It faded as the classic Deirdre held on.

Uncommon now, it reads as a period respelling of a legendary name. Soft and quietly dramatic.

Did you know? Dedra is a spoken-style spelling of Deirdre — the tragic heroine of Irish legend — that saw quiet use around its 1963 peak, its meaning debated.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Dedra — Variant of Deirdre; Irish, meaning uncertain

Variations

DeirdreDeidraDeedra

Nicknames

DeeDedie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dedra…

Deirdre— the standard name Dedra respells

Deanna— a like soft D- girl's name

Dara— shares Dedra's Irish roots

Tarra— echoes that soft -ra sound

Kiera— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Dedra

By themeuncertain vintage irish respelled

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dedra mean?

Dedra is a variant of Deirdre, an Irish name of uncertain meaning, often read as 'sorrowful'. We note the uncertainty.

How do you pronounce Dedra?

It's said DEE-drah /ˈdiː.drə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dedra a boy or girl name?

Dedra is used as a girl's name.

Is Dedra making a comeback?

Dedra is uncommon today; the classic Deirdre is the likelier form to be seen.