Deborah f
Jewish and English: biblical name (meaning ‘bee’ in Hebrew) borne by the nurse of Rebecca (Genesis 35: 8) and by a woman judge and prophet (Judges 4–5), who led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. The name has always been popular among Jews. It was taken up among Christians by the Puritans in the 17th century, no doubt in part because the bee was a symbol of industriousness. It has steadily increased in popularity ever since and is currently enjoying a great vogue.
Variants: Debora, Debra. Jewish: Devora(h) (Hebrew); Dvoire (Yiddish).
Pet forms: English: Debbie, Debbi, Debi, Debs.
First names dictionary. 2012.