Deborah is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, from the Hebrew name דְּבוֹרָה (Devora), meaning "bee". The name is borne by two significant figures in the Old Testament, contributing to its enduring religious and cultural importance.Etymology and Biblical ContextThe Hebrew word dvorah literally translates to "bee," possibly symbolizing industriousness, sweetness (via honey), or a stinging nature—traits reflected in the judgeship of the most famous Deborah. In the Book of Judges, Deborah is a prophetess and the fourth judge of Israel, and the only female judge recorded in the Hebrew Bible (Judges 4-5). Some scholars explain the phrase "a woman of Lappidoth" (Judges 4:4) as indicating her marital status as the wife of Lapidoth, though "lappid" also means "torch" or "lightning," allowing an alternative reading as a "fiery woman." With the defeat of the Canaanite commander Sisera, guided by God's command through Barak, Deborah led Israel into forty years of peace. The victory song in Judges 5, the Song of Deborah, is among the oldest passages of the Bible. The second Deborah is the nurse of Rebekah (Genesis 35:8).Historical UsageDeborah has long been a common Jewish name. English Christians began using it after the Protestant Reformation, particularly among Puritans, who favored names from the Old Testament (including many from the 'namehub glossaries for Puritan names and the Old Testament). The name experienced a surge in popularity in the mid-20th century, ranking among the top 30 female names in the USA in the 1950s and declining afterward.Notable BearersNotable individuals include: Deborah Kerr (British actress), Deborah Harry (lead singer of Blondie), and Deborah Tannen (linguist). Fictional bearers include Deborah Jenner from the musical April Love and Deborah Johnson in the film The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard.Variants and DerivativesDebbie, Debby, Debi, Deb, and Debra (also Debora) are common alternates. In other languages, the name appears as Débora (Spanish, Portuguese), Déborah (French), Debora (German, Italian), and Devorah or Devora (Modern Hebrew). The biblical Latin form is Debbora.Meaning: BeeOrigin: HebrewType: First NameGender: FeminineUsage: English, Jewish, BiblicalRelated names: Variants Debra; Diminutives Debbie, Debby