Find out how popular the first name Decker has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Decker by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Decker is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Decker being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 180 male babies and 13 female babies born with the name Decker.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 13 baby girls were named Decker in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Decker

The name Decker is a German occupational surname that has been used as a given name for centuries. It is derived from the Middle High German word "decker," which means "roofer" or "thatcher." The name can be traced back to the medieval period in German-speaking regions of Europe, where it was commonly used to refer to individuals who worked as roofers or thatchers.

In its earliest recorded usage, the name Decker appeared in various medieval German texts and records, such as guild registers and census documents. These records often listed individuals by their occupations, and the name Decker was used to identify those who worked as roofers or thatchers.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Decker was Hans Decker, a German roofer and thatcher who lived in the 15th century. Hans Decker was renowned for his skilled craftsmanship and was responsible for thatching the roofs of several notable buildings in his hometown.

Another notable figure with the name Decker was Johann Decker, a German Protestant theologian and philosopher who lived from 1545 to 1611. Johann Decker was a professor at the University of Heidelberg and wrote several influential works on theology and philosophy.

In the 18th century, a German composer and organist named Johann Decker (1743-1804) gained recognition for his contributions to church music. His compositions were widely performed in churches throughout Germany and influenced the development of sacred music during his time.

The name Decker has also been associated with military figures. One such example is General Decker, a German military leader who fought in the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. While his first name is not widely recorded, his surname Decker became renowned for his strategic leadership on the battlefield.

In the 20th century, a notable figure with the name Decker was George Decker (1912-1994), an American screenwriter and producer. He was best known for his work on classic films such as "King Kong" (1933) and "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932).

While the name Decker has its roots in the German language and culture, it has since been adopted and used in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. However, its historical significance and connection to the occupation of roofing and thatching remain an integral part of its etymology and cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Decker was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Decker, please contact us.

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