Derek vs Damien

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

English American Dutch German

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Boy #345 Most Popular 3 Syllables

"to tame, to subdue"

Origin: Greek

French English American Catholic

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Derek Rank #258

Damien Rank #345

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 vs #345 for Damien.

Is Derek or Damien more popular?

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 compared to Damien at #345 in the United States.

What do Derek and Damien mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Damien means "to tame, to subdue" (Greek origin).

Are Derek and Damien boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Damien is primarily a boy name.