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Beck Unisex

Popularity: #702 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: bek //bɛk//

Origin: English; Scandinavian

Meaning: English: brook; Scandinavian: stream

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Beck has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "becc," which means "stream" or "brook." This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic *bekka, which also referred to a small stream or creek. The name likely entered the English language during the early medieval period, when Old English was the dominant language in England, and it was used to describe geographical features, eventually evolving into a surname and later a given name.

The transition from a descriptive term to a personal name reflects a common practice in medieval England where surnames were often derived from local landmarks or features. Historically, the name Beck has been associated with various notable figures and families throughout the centuries.

One significant milestone in its history is the use of the name in the context of English nobility, where it appeared as a surname among landowners and gentry. The name is also found in historical records from the 13th century, indicating its established presence in England by that time.

Additionally, the name Beck appears in various literary works and documents, contributing to its recognition in English culture. Culturally, the name Beck carries connotations of nature and tranquility, reflecting its meaning related to water bodies.

This association with natural elements has allowed the name to resonate with themes of serenity and continuity throughout its history. The diminutive form "Becky" has also emerged, primarily as a feminine variant, although it is not directly related to the masculine form.

Overall, the name Beck encapsulates a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, rooted in the natural landscape of England.

Famous people named Beck

Beck Hansen is a musician and songwriter best known for Loser, Odelay, and Sea Change.
Beck is a record producer and multi-instrumentalist best known for his eclectic style and genre-blending music.

Fictional characters named Beck

Beck is a fictional character from the animated series Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad. He is a young musician who aspires to form a rock band and navigate the challenges of the music industry.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Beck was first seen in the United States in 1957. Beck has ranked as high as #1137 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Utah, Minnesota, and Colorado. In the past 5 years the name Beck has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Beck (2024)

State Births Share
TX 23
14%
UT 14
9%
CA 13
8%
AZ 12
7%
TN 10
6%
MI 10
6%
NC 10
6%
OR 8
5%
FL 8
5%
OH 7
4%
MN 7
4%
IA 6
4%
OK 6
4%
IL 6
4%
NY 6
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19575
19825
19858
19868
198712
19889
19898
199011
199112
19926
19935
199412
199513
199616
199733
199838
199950
200073
200164
200255
200379
2004115
2005132
2006131
2007131
2008135
2009146
2010139
2011149
2012122
2013114
2014121
2015148
2016170
2017127
2018116
2019158
2020196
2021199
2022219
2023211
2024223