Debra

Girl Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈdɛb.rə/

Debra: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee". It derives from the Hebrew word "dvorá > Dəḇôrā > DEVORAH".

The name Debra carries a rich history rooted in Hebrew culture. Derived from "dvorá > Dəḇôrā > DEVORAH", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Hebrew-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Debra

Quick facts about Debra
OriginHebrew
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee.” Deborah was a prophetess of the God of the Israelites, the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel, counselor, warrior, and the wife of Lapidoth, according to the Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah, led a successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera. The narrative is recounted in chapter 4.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

dvorá > Dəḇôrā > DEVORAH

How to Pronounce Debra

Debra is pronounced /ˈdɛb.rə/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Deb-ra
  2. Say it like: "DEB-RA"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Debra enjoys international appeal, used in 5 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, norwegian, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

englishnorwegianswedishdanishgerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Debra
What does the name Debra mean?
Debra means "This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee.” Deborah was a prophetess of the God of the Israelites, the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel, counselor, warrior, and the wife of Lapidoth, according to the Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah, led a successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera. The narrative is recounted in chapter 4.". The name comes from dvorá > Dəḇôrā > DEVORAH. In its original form, the name derives from dvorá (דְבוֹרָה) Dəḇôrā / Devorah (דְבוֹרָה) Debbóra (Δεββώρα). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Debra for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee.” Deborah was a prophetess of the God of the Israelites, the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel, counselor, warrior, and the wife of Lapidoth, according to the Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah, led a successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera. The narrative is recounted in chapter 4." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Debra's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Debra?
Debra is a hebrew name. The name traces back to dvorá > Dəḇôrā > DEVORAH. The original form dvorá (דְבוֹרָה) Dəḇôrā / Devorah (דְבוֹרָה) Debbóra (Δεββώρα) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Debra spread to become common in english, norwegian, swedish, danish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee.” Deborah was a prophetess of the God of the Israelites, the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel, counselor, warrior, and the wife of Lapidoth, according to the Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah, led a successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera. The narrative is recounted in chapter 4." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Debra a boy or girl name?
Debra is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Debra has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee.” Deborah was a prophetess of the God of the Israelites, the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel, counselor, warrior, and the wife of Lapidoth, according to the Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah, led a successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera. The narrative is recounted in chapter 4." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Debra?
Debra is pronounced "/ˈdɛb.rə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Debra is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, norwegian, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Debra can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root dvorá > Dəḇôrā > DEVORAH influences how Debra sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Debra?
Debra is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Debra offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Debra's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee.” Deborah was a prophetess of the God of the Israelites, the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel, counselor, warrior, and the wife of Lapidoth, according to the Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah, led a successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera. The narrative is recounted in chapter 4." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Debra holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Debra commonly used?
Debra spans multiple cultures, including english, norwegian, swedish, and 2 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Debra found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Debra, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “dvorá > Dəḇôrā / Devorah,” meaning “bee.” Deborah was a prophetess of the God of the Israelites, the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel, counselor, warrior, and the wife of Lapidoth, according to the Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah, led a successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera. The narrative is recounted in chapter 4." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Debra into their naming traditions. A child named Debra will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Debra is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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