Derrius is a unique and distinctive male given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by author Ernest J. Gaines in his novel "A Lesson Before Dying," published in 1993. In the story, Derrius is the main character's younger brother who becomes involved in criminal activities.
The exact meaning and origin of the name Derrius are not clearly defined, as it was created by an author for a fictional character rather than having historical or linguistic roots. However, some people have interpreted the name to mean "free" or "liberated," possibly due to its similarity to the Latin word "liber," meaning free.
Despite its uncertain origin and meaning, Derrius has gained some popularity as a given name in recent years, particularly in the United States. It is often associated with African American culture and may be chosen by parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their child.
Overall, Derrius is an uncommon but intriguing male given name with a creative origin story and open-ended meaning. Its usage continues to grow, reflecting its appeal as a distinctive choice for parents seeking something different for their baby boy.
Here are some statistics about the popularity of the name Derrius in the United States:
Starting from 1975, there were five babies named Derrius each year until 1977 when the number increased to eight in 1978. The name's popularity peaked in 1988 with thirty births that year. This trend continued into the early 1990s, reaching a high of forty births in 1989 and thirty-nine in 1990.
However, after 1990, the number of babies named Derrius began to decline significantly. In 1991, there were only twenty-nine births, and this downward trend continued throughout the remainder of the decade, reaching a low point of fourteen births in 1996.
The early 2000s saw a slight increase in the number of babies named Derrius, with thirty-two births in both 2003 and 2006. But overall, the popularity of the name continued to fluctuate, ranging from five to twenty-six births annually between 2010 and 2023.
In total, over the forty-eight years from 1975 to 2023, there were 838 babies named Derrius in the United States.