Deborah Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Deborah
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name DEBORAH. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Deborah
Gender
Female
Origin
Hebrew
Lucky Number
8
Meaning of the Name
Deborah means 'bee' in Hebrew, symbolizing industriousness and community. The name is famously associated with the biblical prophetess who led Israel to victory and composed a celebrated song of triumph.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Saturn
Positive Nature
Ambitious, efficient, realistic, and authoritative.
Negative Traits
Materialistic, stressed, confrontational, and can be overly ambitious.
Lucky Colours
Dark blue, black.
Lucky Days
Saturday.
Lucky Stones
Blue sapphire, amethyst.
Harmony Numbers
2, 4, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Business leaders, managers, financial services, law enforcement.
What People Like About You
Leadership, determination, organizational skills.
Famous People Named Deborah
Deborah (Biblical)
Prophetess and Judge
Led Israel to military victory against Canaanites and composed victory song
Deborah Harry
Singer
Iconic lead vocalist of Blondie who shaped new wave music
Deborah Kerr
Actress
Six-time Oscar nominee known for classic Hollywood films
Deborah Sampson
Revolutionary Soldier
First known American woman to fight in combat while disguised as a man
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
Throughout Western history, she has been invoked as an exemplar of strong female leadership, particularly during periods when women's roles in public life were restricted. During the Renaissance and Reformation, Deborah was frequently cited by both supporters and opponents of female rulers. In the 19th century, she became an important figure in the women's suffrage movement, with activists drawing parallels between her leadership and their own political struggles. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions about women in leadership positions within religious and secular contexts, making her one of the most enduring female figures from the Hebrew Bible.
Extended Personality Analysis
Women named Deborah are often perceived as strong, determined, and industrious individuals, reflecting the name's meaning of 'bee.' They tend to be natural leaders with excellent organizational skills and a practical approach to problem-solving. The biblical Deborah's legacy contributes to associations with wisdom, courage, and moral authority. Many Deborahs exhibit a blend of traditional values with progressive thinking, often serving as pillars in their communities or workplaces.
These individuals are typically seen as reliable, hardworking people who don't shy away from responsibility and often take on mentoring roles. Their communication skills are usually well-developed, whether in personal relationships or professional settings, and they tend to approach challenges with both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. While they can be assertive when necessary, Deborahs often balance this strength with warmth and nurturing qualities. The combination of the name's biblical heritage and its literal meaning creates an expectation of someone who is both spiritually grounded and practically effective—able to 'make honey' from life's challenges while building strong, productive communities around them.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Deborah enjoyed peak popularity in the United States from the 1940s through the 1970s, consistently ranking among the top 20 names for girls during much of this period. It reached its height in 1955 as the 2nd most popular girls' name. Since the 1980s, its usage has declined significantly, now ranking outside the top 500. However, it maintains a presence as a classic, respectable name often chosen by parents seeking a traditional biblical name with strong female associations. The shortened forms 'Debbie' and 'Deb' were particularly common nicknames during its peak popularity, though contemporary Deborahs often prefer the full name. In recent years, the name has seen some revival interest as vintage names come back into style, and it remains popular in Jewish communities where biblical names maintain enduring appeal.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
The name Deborah symbolizes industry, community, and leadership, drawing from both its literal meaning of 'bee' and its biblical associations. Bees represent diligence, productivity, and social organization—qualities embodied by the biblical Deborah who effectively 'organized the hive' of Israelite society. The bee symbolism also connects to sweetness (honey) and defensive capability (sting), suggesting a balanced personality capable of both nurturing and protecting when circumstances require. The prophetic aspect of the biblical figure adds layers of wisdom, divine guidance, and moral authority. In broader symbolic terms, Deborah represents the power of feminine leadership, the importance of community welfare over individual glory, and the combination of practical action with spiritual insight. This rich symbolic tapestry makes the name a powerful choice that conveys strength, wisdom, and social responsibility.