Derek vs Eli

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

English American Dutch German

✓ All Clear

Boy #92 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ascended, high"

Origin: Hebrew

Hebrew English Christian

✓ All Clear

Derek Rank #258

Eli Rank #92

Eli is more popular, ranked #92 vs #258 for Derek.

Is Derek or Eli more popular?

Eli is more popular, ranked #92 compared to Derek at #258 in the United States.

What do Derek and Eli mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Eli means "ascended, high" (Hebrew origin).

Are Derek and Eli boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Eli is primarily a boy name.