All about the name

De

Female

« De is a rare unisex given name of uncertain origin and meaning, first appearing in medieval England and popular among the nobility. It has since spread globally but remains uncommon. Notable figures like Saint De of Clermont and King Devanabodhi I have borne this name throughout history. Today, it's often used as a short form of Deborah or Deirdre. »

#9826 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

De is a name of unclear origin and uncertain meaning. Some sources suggest that it may have originated as a diminutive form of the Germanic name Theudebert, which means "people's bright fame." However, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim. The name De first appears in historical records in England during the Middle Ages. It was a popular name among the nobility and was often used as a given name or a surname. Over time, the name has spread throughout Europe and beyond, but it remains relatively rare compared to other names. There is not much history associated with the name De specifically, as it is not particularly well-documented in historical records. However, there are many notable people throughout history who have borne this name, including several saints and royals. For example, Saint De of Clermont was a French bishop who lived in the 6th century, while King Devanabodhi I was a monarch of the Sri Lankan Kingdom of Anuradhapura in the 7th century. In modern times, the name De has gained some popularity as a unisex given name. It is often used as a short form of longer names such as Deborah or Deirdre. However, it is still relatively uncommon compared to other names. Overall, the name De is shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. Its origins and meaning are unclear, and its history is not particularly well-documented. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich historical pedigree.

In numbers

Popularity of the name De since 1880

Total births
641
Total since 1880
Peak year
1968
27 births
in 2005
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years