Detrick is a unique and distinctive given name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements 'theud' meaning "people" and 'ric' meaning "power," thus the name means "powerful ruler." Detrick was first used as a personal name in medieval Germany, where it was borne by several nobles and warriors throughout history.
The name gained some popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, likely due to immigration from Germany. However, it has never been widespread and remains quite uncommon today, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
Despite its rarity, Detrick has several notable namesakes throughout history. One of the most famous is the American military officer and Medal of Honor recipient, Frederick Det ring, who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. His brave actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm earned him the prestigious medal and cemented his place in American history.
In literature, Detrick appears as a character in Thomas Mann's novel "Buddenbrooks," where he is portrayed as a wealthy merchant with an entrepreneurial spirit. This portrayal further highlights the name's Germanic origins and its historical association with power and ambition.
Overall, Detrick is a strong and distinctive given name with a rich history dating back to medieval Germany. While it may not be widely used today, its unique sound and meaningful origin make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a uncommon yet significant name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Detrick has seen a varied trend of popularity in the United States over the past six decades. The highest number of births recorded was in 1970 with 34 babies named Detrick. This peak period of popularity lasted until around 1976 when there were consistently high numbers of births each year, ranging from 62 to 68.
However, after this period, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily. From 1980 onwards, the number of births decreased significantly, with only a few exceptions where the count briefly rose above 30. The most recent data shows that in 2023, there were only six babies named Detrick.
Overall, while the name Detrick was relatively popular during the late 60s and early to mid-70s, its popularity has since declined significantly. However, it's important to note that even with the decrease in popularity, there have still been several hundred babies named Detrick over the years, totaling 1501 births between 1963 and 2023 in the United States alone. This demonstrates that while not extremely common, the name Detrick is still present and chosen by parents for their children.