Derek vs Hans

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American Dutch German

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#258
Total SSA Count
1,355
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dere, Rick

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Derek →

Hans

Boy #1,325 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"God is gracious"

Origin: Hebrew via Germanic

Cultural Roots

German Dutch Scandinavian Swiss

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,325
Total SSA Count
145
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Hansi

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Hans →

Popularity Comparison

Derek Rank #258
Hans Rank #1,325

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 vs #1325 for Hans.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Derek ___

  • Derek James
  • Derek Lee
  • Derek Michael
  • Derek Thomas
  • Derek Allen
  • Derek Scott

Hans ___

  • Hans Friedrich
  • Hans Otto
  • Hans Karl
  • Hans Wilhelm
  • Hans Georg
  • Hans Ernst

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Derek

Kyle Brandon Ashley Megan Chad

If you choose Hans

Greta Ingrid Klaus Liesel Max

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derek or Hans more popular?

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 compared to Hans at #1325 in the United States.

What do Derek and Hans mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Hans means "God is gracious" (Hebrew via Germanic origin).

Are Derek and Hans boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Hans is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Derek ← Full profile: Hans Browse all baby names