Debra

Origin

Hebrew origin, from the name דְּבָרָה (Devorah), meaning 'bee'. The name is documented in the Bible, notably Deborah, a prophetess and judge in the Old Testament, making it one of the historically significant biblical names. While primarily of Hebrew origin, the name has been adopted across various cultures and languages, including English-speaking countries like Australia.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'bee'. In the Australian context, it often connotes qualities associated with bees, such as industriousness, community, and diligence.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛbrə/ (Australian English, with emphasis on the first syllable, soft 'a') , and a clear pronunciation focusing on 'Deb-ra' as in English speech patterns.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 04 September (Feast of Saint Deborah)
• Optional associated with Christian calendars depending on denominational recognition.
• No specific M
  01ori or Aboriginal date associations.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with debra:

• Sarah and Rachel
• Megan and Abigail
• Emma and Hannah

Fun Facts

• The name Debra was especially popular in Australia during the 1960s and 1970s.
• Debra is often associated with the character Debra Morgan from the Australian and international adaptations of popular TV series, fostering familiarity.
• Famous Australian bearer: Debra Lawrance, noted actress.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name debra:

• Diligent
• Community-oriented
• Leadership qualities associated with historical and biblical Deborah.

Aesthetic Qualities

Clean and classic with soft vowels, aesthetically pleasing in both written and spoken form in Australian English, often perceived as traditional yet versatile.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane during the peak usage periods, now gradually declining nationwide in formal registrations.

Numerological Significance

Name number 6, symbolising harmony, responsibility, and nurturing qualities; often associated with caregiving professions and leadership in a community.

Astrological Connections

Linked to the zodiac sign Virgo, associated with traits of service, attention to detail, and analytical thinking, aligning with the biblical Deborah's role as a judge and prophetess.

Historical Context

Historically rooted in biblical tradition, with the biblical Deborah being a symbol of leadership and wisdom. The name gained popularity in Australia during the mid-20th century, partly due to biblical influences and the entertainment industry.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across English-speaking contexts; in other languages, it often remains as Deborah with minor spelling adjustments (e.g., Débora in French and Portuguese).

Famous People Named debra

• Debra Lawrance (Actress)
• Debra Byrne (Singer and actress)
• Debra Messing (International fame, though not Australian)

Popularity in Australia