Origin and Meaning of Del

A short form of names like Derek or Delilah; it can also mean 'to dwindle' in some contexts.

Origin: English - Del is often a diminutive of Derek, which has Old High German origins meaning 'the people's ruler.' Alternatively, it can be derived from Delilah, a Hebrew name meaning 'delicate.'

• Del has been used historically as a standalone name, especially in the United States, primarily as a male name.
• In some cultures, Del is used as a feminine name, particularly as a shortening of Delilah.
• Notable bearers of the name include Del McCoury, a famous American bluegrass musician, and Delilah, which has strong cultural associations due to the biblical story of Samson and Delilah.
• Del's popularity has fluctuated over the years, with a peak in usage during the mid-20th century in the United States.
• Related names include Derek, Delilah, and other diminutives such as Delia and Dell.