derek

IPA/dˈɛɹɪk/
KK[dˈɛrɪk]IPA/dˈɛrɪk/

derek — noun

1. a given name for male children that is widely used in English-speaking countries

1.noun
Definition

a given name for male children that is widely used in English-speaking countries

Example

Derek is moving to Taipei next month for his new job.

name used as subject in a statement about future plans

I met a man named Derek at the bookstore yesterday.

Usage Note

Derek is a common English first name with Germanic origins from Theodoric, meaning 'ruler of the people.' It has been in steady use since the early 20th century.

Etymology

GermanicEnglish

Derek comes from the old Germanic name Theodoric, which is made up of two parts: 'þeud' meaning 'people' and 'rīk' meaning 'ruler' or 'king.' So the name originally meant 'ruler of the people.' It came into English through Dutch and Low German forms in the Middle Ages and became a common first name in Britain and other English-speaking countries.