Derry Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Derry

🔊 DEH-ree  dɛrɪ

"Oak place"

(Derry is of English origin, derived from Old Irish 'doire' meaning oak) Origin Christianity Predominantly Male 📈 Peak 1957 👥 1,678 in US Christian Biblical Spiritual

Data last updated: 2025 SSA records

📖
Meaning
Oak place
🌍
Origin
(Derry is of English origin, derived from Old Irish 'doire' meaning oak)
👥
US Bearers
1,678
Life Path
Number 6

📖 What Does Derry Mean?

In Irish mythology, Derry was believed to be a sacred oak grove, a place of refuge, and a center of ancient religious and spiritual practices. In Christian tradition, Derry is associated with Saint Colmcille, who is said to have founded the city in the 6th century.

🌐 Wikipedia summary Read full article ↗

Derry is a male given name, often an abbreviation of Diarmuid or its anglicisation Dermot. It can also be a diminutive of Alexander. Among those with the name are:Derry Beckett (1919–1959), Irish Gaelic footballer and hurler Derry Brabbs, British landscape photographer and author Derry Clarke, Irish celebrity chef Derry Giles,, Famous Baltimorean Derry Gowen (1933–2017), Irish hurler and Gaelic footballer Derry Grehan, Canadian guitarist with Honeymoon Suite Derry Hayes (1927–2005), Irish hurler Derry Herlangga, Indonesian footballer Derry Irvine, Baron Irvine of Lairg, British lawyer, judge, and political figure Derry Quinn (1918–1987), English screenwriter and novelist Derry Mathews, English lightweight boxer Derry Moore, 12th Earl of Drogheda, British photographer Derry Murkin,

Root Element
Derry
Core Meaning
"Oak place"
Language
English, Greek, Latin
Themes
Ireland · Historical

🌐 Derry in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Derry
Dear one

A name derived from the Old English 'deor' meaning 'dear' or 'dear one'.…

Personality of Derry

Emotional Traits

Loyal Faithful Strong

Hidden Personality

C = Courageous
H = Humble

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Friday
🔢
Lucky Number
7
💎
Lucky Stone
Oak
🌟
Life Path
6

Lucky Colors

Green
Gold

Numerology: Numerologically, Derry is a name of deep emotional sensitivity and strong intuition. Those with this name are compassionate and caring, with a strong desire to help others.

🔢 Numerology of Derry

D 4
E 5
R 9
R 9
Y 7
SUM 7
7
Life Path
Wisdom & Introspection
5
Soul Urge
Freedom & Adventure
11
Personality
Intuition & Insight

Life Path 7 — Wisdom & Introspection: Analytical, spiritual, and truth-seeking.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

In the modern sense, Derry is best known as the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the historical capital of the Province of Ulster. It has been a major cultural and artistic hub, with a vibrant arts scene, numerous festivals, and a rich history that is preserved through its numerous historic sites, some of which date back to the medieval period.

Spiritual Significance

In ancient Irish mythology, Derry was believed to be a sacred oak grove, a place of refuge, and a center of ancient religious and spiritual practices. The name "Derry" is derived from the ancient Irish word "Doire," which means "oak grove." In Christian tradition, Derry is associated with Saint Colmcille, who is said to have founded the city in the 6th century. The city is home to numerous churches, with the most famous being the historic Derry Cathedral, also known as St. Columb's Cathedral, which is dedicated to the saint. This medieval cathedral, built in the late 17th century, is a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics, and its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architecture are awe-inspiring. The spiritual significance of Derry is deeply interwoven with its religious history and continues to be celebrated and honored by its residents and visitors alike.

📊 Derry in Numbers

1,678 US bearers
1957 Peak year
Predominantly Male Predominant gender
Full statistics →

Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 55/100
🌍 Poland
35%
🌍 Brazil
50%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Derry" emerges in (Derry is of English origin, derived from Old Irish 'doire' meaning oak) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Oak place".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.

📈
Today (2026)

~1,678 people named Derry in the US. Peaked in 1957 with 55 recorded uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Derry mean?

Derry means "Oak place" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Derry a good Christian name?

Yes, Derry is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Derry?

Derry has (Derry is of English origin, derived from Old Irish 'doire' meaning oak) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Derry?

The Life Path number for Derry is 7, associated with Wisdom & Introspection. Soul Urge: 5. Personality: 11.

Is Derry a boy or girl name?

Derry is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 92% male and 8% female.

How many people are named Derry in the US?

Approximately 1,678 people in the United States are named Derry. The name peaked in 1957 with 55 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

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Dorian meaning Derryn meaning

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