Derek vs Kayson

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 →

Kayson

Boy #291 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"rejoice, healer"

Origin: American/Persian

Cultural Roots

American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#291
Total SSA Count
1,146
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Kay, Kays

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kayson →

Popularity Comparison

Derek Rank #258
Kayson Rank #291

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 vs #291 for Kayson.

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

Kayson ___

  • Kayson James
  • Kayson Lee
  • Kayson Cole
  • Kayson Reese
  • Kayson Blake
  • Kayson Grey

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Derek

Kyle Brandon Ashley Megan Chad

If you choose Kayson

Brayden Landon Hadley Kinsley Zayden

Which Name Fits Your Family?

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1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derek or Kayson more popular?

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 compared to Kayson at #291 in the United States.

What do Derek and Kayson mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Kayson means "rejoice, healer" (American/Persian origin).

Are Derek and Kayson boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Kayson is primarily a boy name.

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