Beck Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Beck originates from the Old English word for 'stream' or 'brook', reflecting a geographical connection. It evolved from Old English to Middle English and into modern usage. The name is associated with nature and has a simple yet strong presence. It does not have biblical relevance, but it has been widely used since the Middle Ages and remains popular today.
The name Beck is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Beck has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Beck' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5465th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1439th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1173rd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10234th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Beck' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Beck"
Pronunciation
/bɛk/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Beck is derived from the Old English word 'becc', meaning 'stream' or 'brook'. It was originally used as a topographic surname for someone living near a stream or as a given name.
Meaning
stream, brook
Language Evolution
Old English: Becc, Middle English: Becke, Modern English: Beck
Historical Usage
The name Beck gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages as a surname and later as a given name. It has maintained consistent usage into modern times.
Variants & Derivatives
Becker, Beckett, Becky
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Beck is perceived as a strong and simple name, often associated with nature due to its meaning. It has a contemporary feel and is used both as a first name and a surname.
Famous People
Beck Hansen (musician), Beckett R. O'Connor (author)
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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Beck"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Beck"
"Beck" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5465th of 16616 | 125 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1439th of 24088 | 1,592 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1173rd of 23106 | 2,002 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10234th of 30306 | 114 |
Regional Popularity of "Beck" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
30.49% 1397th/4582 |
53.39% 2757th/5164 |
23.30% 1704th/7313 |
15.11% 1128th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
27.13% 1081st/3984 |
46.45% 2084th/4487 |
19.98% 1363rd/6822 |
14.63% 918th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Beck" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Beck"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Beck" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.