Home › Baby Names Directory › Dietrich
Dietrich
Pronounced DEE-trik /ˈdi.trɪk/High
Meaning: Ruler of the people; German form of Theodoric, from Germanic theud, 'people', and ric, 'ruler, power'High
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Dietrich is the German descendant of Theodoric — theud, 'people', plus ric, 'ruler' — the name of the great Ostrogoth king of Italy whom medieval German epic transformed into the hero Dietrich von Bern. Pastor-martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer and (as a surname) Marlene Dietrich frame its modern register: conscience and glamour.
In the U.S. it is rare and consciously Germanic, with Dirk as its daredevil short form. A name with a sword in one hand and The Cost of Discipleship in the other.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945)German theologian executed for resisting the Nazi regime; author of The Cost of Discipleship.
If you like Dietrich…
Browse the whole category: All German names → · All origins →
Frequently Asked
What does the name Dietrich mean?
Dietrich is the German form of Theodoric, from Germanic elements meaning 'people' and 'ruler' — 'ruler of the people'.
How do you pronounce Dietrich?
It's said DEE-trik /ˈdi.trɪk/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Dietrich a boy or girl name?
Dietrich is a boy's name.
How popular is Dietrich?
Dietrich is a rare name in the U.S.