Derek vs Hayden

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

English American Dutch German

✓ All Clear

Boy #154 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"hay valley, hedged valley"

Origin: Old English

American English

✓ All Clear

Derek Rank #258

Hayden Rank #154

Hayden is more popular, ranked #154 vs #258 for Derek.

Is Derek or Hayden more popular?

Hayden is more popular, ranked #154 compared to Derek at #258 in the United States.

What do Derek and Hayden mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Hayden means "hay valley, hedged valley" (Old English origin).

Are Derek and Hayden boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Hayden is primarily a boy name.