“Debra” - A quiet beauty, not to be underestimated. A lovely mother and friend.
― Anonymous User 10/22/2019
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In 2018, 55 is the most common age for an American (U.S.) Debra who is registered female with the Social Security Administration. It is the 85th most common female first name for living U.S. citizens. (By contrast, for Deborah: most common age is 56; it is the 61st most common female name.)
― Anonymous User 10/17/2018
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My name is Debra, never really thought I was a Debra, my Grandmother wanted me to be Deborah and my Mom said no way. And I go by Debbie. In school, we sat in alphabetical order, so there was Debra Serpa, Debra Souza, Debra Sturba, this was in the 60's.
Debra/Deborah/Dvora not only means "honeybee" in Hebrew, the word is derived from the verb root דבﬧ "daber" meaning, 'to speak'. Appropriate both for the sound of bees and a powerful Biblical woman who did so as a calling and a career.
I've always admired my namesake, the Biblical Deborah. She was a Judge in the Old Testament, which was tantamount to being designated as a King. Women were not held in any status during that time, so for her to hold such a status was unusual. She was also a prophetess, which means God spoke to her and all of Israel acknowledged that fact. She was a brave woman too, leading the men to war when they were afraid to do so. I cannot think of anyone who better emulates a strong woman then her and I'm honoured to be named for her.
This spelling may not be as traditional as Deborah, but either way, it's better than the chavvy nickname Debbie.
― Anonymous User 10/13/2008
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A famous bearer is actress Debra Messing (born August 15, 1968). Best known as Grace Adler on the popular television situation comedy "Will & Grace", she received 5 Emmy Award nominations (winning 1), 6 Golden Globe Award nominations, and 6 SAG Award nominations (winning 1) for the role, as well as 3 Teen Choice Award nominations.
WOW, such critics! I can honestly say my parents were intelligent and I have NEVER been called "de bra"! I am very happy I have this spelling, it is pronounced differently for those who pay attention. Also, I have a "Deborah" for a friend and she wishes she had my spelling since she is always called "Du-bore-uh"
What kind of moron would think that Deborah is pronounced Du-bore-uh? I've never known anyone in my life who would be that stupid, so I can't see that as a problem with the spelling Deborah.There's no reason to simplify Deborah into Debra, it just looks simplistic, like one can't read words that have silent letters. As it is, I like Deborah but not Debra... the problem is I dislike the nickname Debbie.
What's wrong with Deborah? For the life of me, I don't understand why any parent would use this spelling. It looks like "de bra." Parents, if you must use this, name her Deborah. You can always pronounce it "Debra" and she'll have a much nicer spelling.
― Anonymous User 2/7/2006
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Debra Barone was the name of Raymond's wife, Ally, Michael and Geoffrey's mother, and Patricia Heation's character in very funny comedy, "Everybody Loves Raymond" which ran from 1996 to 2005.
This name is very rarely used as a masculine name, too. It just barely made the list of top 1000 boys' names in the 1950s. See the link on this name's popularity.