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MonJun 10

National Debra Day – June 10, 2024

National Debra Day is celebrated on June 10 every year. Although Debra has long been popular among Jewish people, the Puritans are responsible for bringing the name to the U.S. during the time of colonization. Debra was a rare name in the late 1800s and the start of the 20th century. Debra, on the other hand, was gaining popularity by the 1930s. In 1947, the name was ranked among the top 100 choices for girls in the U.S. Debra did not stop there; she continued to climb to the top of the charts. In 1955, Debra was the second most common girl’s name in the U.S., while the more common Debra was fourth.

History of National Debra Day

Debra is a Hebrew name derived from the word ‘dvora,’ which means ‘bee.’ The name appears twice in the Bible, referring to two distinct ladies. Debra is the nurse who accompanies Rebecca on her journey to marry Isaac in Genesis. She died later under an oak tree named ‘Allon-bacuth,’ or ‘weeping oak.’ On the other hand, Debra from Judges four to five stands out. She was not just a Major Judge, like Ehud, Gideon, Jephthah, and Sansom, but also a prophetess and a military hero who led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. She summoned Barak in the name of God to gather 10,000 warriors to fight Sisera, the military commander of the Canaanite army. Barak replies that he’ll go, provided Debra goes with him. Who can blame him? After all, she is the Queen “Bee,” isn’t she? Leave it to a woman to do a man’s job, and that’s precisely what happens. Debra even tells Barak that the deliverance of Israel this time will come through a woman’s hand.

Following the defeat of the Canaanites by the Israeli army, Sisera, their commander, escapes and seeks sanctuary in the tent of a lady named Jael, or so he believes. Jael pushes a tent peg into his temple while he sleeps, shattering his skull and murdering him. The fifth chapter of Judges is known as “The Song of Debra.” It eloquently describes the incident while glorifying the woman known as Jael. The Puritans liked the narrative and adopted the moniker as a sign of hard work. Over 100,000 newborn girls were given this name, making her one of the most famous names of all time — even though her heyday was brief. Debra was the most popular name in the 1950s and 1960s, but by the 1970s, the name’s appeal had shifted dramatically.

The name Debra had plummeted to the bottom of the rankings by the 1990s, and the name is now only given to about 350 infant girls. Considering this, many 50 and 60-year-olds with this name roam around the U.S., but it is not particularly prevalent in kindergarten classrooms nowadays. Debra, like Barbara, Patricia, or Linda, shouts the 1950s. Debra’s nicknames and diminutives include Debi, Debby, Debbie, Debbi, and Deb. Although this name is usually perceived as outdated and middle-aged, we appreciate the Bible’s powerful female connotation. Debra is the number eight in numerology — the complicated and powerful number.

National Debra Day timeline

1945
Debra Harry is Born

On July 1, Harry, the lead vocalist of the band Blondie, is born.

1987
Debra Ann Gibson’s Debut Album

Gibson's debut album, "Out of the Blue," is released and yields numerous worldwide singles before being certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

1998
Debra Cox’s Second Album Certified Platinum

Cox is a singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer from Canada, with her second album “One Wish,” being certified platinum in the U.S.

2007
Debra Kerr Passes Away

Kerr, a British actress, dies of Parkinson's disease at the age of 86.

National Debra Day FAQs

Is Debra a strong name?

During a time when women were considered possessions, powerful women were respected. In Hebrew, the name means ‘bee.’ The bee is a sign of community, brightness, and individual strength.

What tribe did Debra in the Bible come from?

Debra’s tribe membership in the Bible is unknown. She is supported by Barak, a member of the Naphtali tribe, and several other tribes who took part in the fight. Her pedigree is traced back to Naphtali, which corresponds to the myth that Barak was her spouse.

Why is Debra important?

Debra, often called Debbora, was an Old Testament prophetess and heroine who led the Israelites to triumph against their oppressors, the Canaanites.

National Debra Day Activities

  1. Write on your blog

    Write on your blog about the origin of the name Debra. Don't forget to add an appreciation paragraph in your writing to celebrate National Debra Day. Share the celebrations with your friends or family.

  2. Listen to Debra Gibson songs

    Play songs by Debra Gibson. You can play her best album. Please write a quote from the lyrics and share it on your social media. And tag your relative named Debra.

  3. Throw a party in your office

    Gather your coworkers named Debra in your office. Throw them an appreciation party to celebrate Debra Day. You and your coworkers can give them gifts as a form of gratitude for helping with the work that has been completed.

5 Interesting Facts About The Name Debra

  1. The 25th most common name in 1990

    In the 1990 census, it was the 25th most frequent name for women in the U.S.

  2. Ranked 780th in 2007

    The name was the 780th most popular name for baby girls born in the U.S. in 2007.

  3. Common nicknames for Debra

    Debra is usually abbreviated as Debbie, Debby, or Deb.

  4. 392 of 100,000

    This name is one of the most common names in the U.S., with 392 people with the name Debra for every 100,000 people.

  5. Personality of Debra

    Debra is a name that connotes a proclivity for extremes in terms of monetary wealth.

Why We Love National Debra Day

  1. Debras are powerful

    People named Debras have powerful characteristics and are driven by their passions. They love what they do and stop at nothing to achieve their goals. They're always looking for new challenges and will often go out of their way to help others.

  2. Debras are achievers

    Debras have achiever characteristics and a strong desire to succeed and overcome challenges. They can identify problems within themselves and others, which allows them to make a plan of action and achieve success.

  3. Debras are problem-solvers

    Debras who have problem-solver characteristics are inventive with the ability to find a quick and efficient solution to a problem or difficult situation. They are often curious about why things happen the way they do and can take a practical approach to problem-solving.

National Debra Day dates

YearDateDay
2024June 10Monday
2025June 10Tuesday
2026June 10Wednesday
2027June 10Thursday
2028June 10Saturday

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