Meaning
The meaning of Deborah
Deborah means bee. In biblical use, the name is shaped less by the animal image and more by the figure in Judges who leads with prophetic authority and courage.
Name story
A woman of judgment and courage
Deborah is one of the strongest female figures in the Old Testament. She is described as a prophetess and judge, and people come to her for judgment.
Her story expands the feel of the name beyond sweetness. Deborah carries wisdom, authority, strategy, song, and courage.
Biblical arc
Leadership in a difficult time
In Judges 4-5, Deborah calls Barak to action and becomes central to Israel's deliverance. The song of Deborah is one of the Bible's ancient victory songs.
For Christian families, Deborah can suggest faithful leadership, discernment, and courage under pressure.
Sound
How to pronounce Deborah
- Phonetic
- DEB-uh-ruh
- IPA
- /ˈdɛbəɹə/
3 syllables · stress: DEB-uh-ruh · ends in a vowel
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Debora
- Debra
- Devorah
- Dvora
Short forms and nicknames
- Deb
- Debbie
- Debs
Languages
Deborah in other languages
- Hebrew
- דְּבוֹרָהDevorah
- Greek
- ΔεββώραDebbōra
- Latin
- Debbora
- Spanish
- Débora
- French
- Déborah
- German
- Debora
- Italian
- Debora
- Russian
- ДевораDevora
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Deborah has long been admired in Christian reading as a biblical woman of wisdom and leadership. Her story offers a strong counterpoint to shallow assumptions about biblical girl names.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Deborah is a prophetess and judge in the book of Judges. She leads Israel during a time of oppression and victory.
Bearers
Notable people named Deborah
biblical
DeborahProphetess and judge of Israel in Judges 4 and 5, whose song is among the oldest passages in the Hebrew Biblehistorical
Deborah SampsonAmerican woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Continental Army, 1760 to 1827historical
Deborah KerrScottish actress known for From Here to Eternity and The King and I, 1921 to 2007modern
Deborah HarryAmerican singer, lead vocalist of Blondie, born 1945modern
Deborah TannenAmerican sociolinguist whose work shaped the popular study of conversational style, born 1945
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Deborah was especially common in earlier generations of English use, with Debra and Debbie as familiar forms. The full biblical name now feels ready for renewed appreciation.
Recent US use
Deborah in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #864
- Peak rank
- #2 in 1955
- Recent trend
- stable over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
For families
For families looking at Deborah
Deborah may suit parents who want a serious biblical girl name with leadership and courage. It is traditional, recognizable, and rich in story.
Common questions
What does Deborah mean?
Deborah means bee.
Is Deborah a biblical name?
Yes. Deborah is a prophetess and judge in Judges 4-5.
Is Deborah a strong Christian name?
Yes. Deborah is often associated with wisdom, courage, leadership, and faithfulness.
Sources
Sources for Deborah
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology (bee); meaning.
- The Book of Judges, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure (Judges 4-5); prophetess and judge of Israel.
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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