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National Derek Day

It's time to honor all the amazing Dereks out there on National Derek Day! Let your favorite Derek know how much they mean to you.

Thursday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 10

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYNames

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On December 10, we celebrate all the Dereks out there on National Derek Day! This holiday is dedicated to anyone with the name Derek, which has roots in Old German and means "ruler of the people". It's a day to honor and appreciate those who bear this strong and noble name. Fun fact: Famous Dereks include actor Derek Jacobi, musician Derek Hough, and baseball player Derek Jeter. So if you have a friend or family member named Derek, make sure to give them some extra love on this special day!

TIMELINE

National Derek Day Timeline

Origin of the Name Derek

Originally from Old German, Derek translates to "ruler of the people" and was widely used in central Europe.

Name Derek in Britain

The name Derek started to become popular in Britain during the 19th century.

Actor Derek Jacobi's Birth

Famous British actor Derek Jacobi, known for his Shakespearean performances, was born, bringing more recognition to the name.

Derek Jeter's Birth

Famed baseball player Derek Jeter was born, bringing the name into American popularity.

Popularity of the Name

The name Derek gained popularity in the United States, placing in the top 150 male names in some years.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Derek Day

Host a Derek-themed party

Invite all your friends named Derek to a party celebrating their name! You can have Derek-themed decorations, food, and activities to make it a fun and memorable event.

CREATE

Create a "Derek Day" playlist

Gather all the songs with "Derek" in the title or lyrics and make a playlist to blast on National Derek Day. You can also have a karaoke session of these songs for extra fun!

SEND

Send personalized cards or gifts to your Derek friends

Take the time to write personalized cards or give small gifts to your friends named Derek. It will make them feel special and appreciated on their day!

ORGANIZE

Organize a Derek trivia night

Test your Derek knowledge by hosting a trivia night dedicated to all things Derek! You can even have prizes for the winners.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer or donate to a charity in honor of Derek

Make National Derek Day more meaningful by giving back to the community. You can volunteer at a local charity or donate to a cause that is important to your Derek friends.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Derek Day

It's an excuse for a fun celebration

Who doesn't love a reason to party? National Derek Day is the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family and have some fun. Whether it's going out for dinner, throwing a themed party, or simply sending a heartfelt message, there are endless ways to celebrate on this special day.

It's a day to celebrate all the Dereks in our lives

National Derek Day is a chance to show appreciation for all the amazing people named Derek that we know and love. Whether it's a family member, friend, or coworker, this day is dedicated to honoring them and all their unique qualities.

Dereks are awesome

Let's face it, Dereks are pretty great. They're known for their intelligence, humor, and all-around good nature. National Derek Day is a time to celebrate these qualities and remind all the Dereks in our lives just how much they mean to us.

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