Derek

Derek is an English given name of Low German and Dutch origin, a contracted form of Theodoric, itself derived from the Germanic elements theud, meaning people or nation, and ric, meaning power or ruler, giving the overall sense of ruler of the people. The name was introduced to England through contact with the Low Countries during the medieval period and gained particular popularity in Britain during the twentieth century. Related forms include Dirk, the Dutch and Flemish variant, as well as Dederick, Derick, and the Latinized Theodoric.