Brook Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Brook' originates from Old English, meaning 'small stream.' It has evolved through various historical forms and reflects a connection to nature. It lacks biblical significance but has gained popularity as both a surname and given name in recent centuries. The name is perceived positively in modern times, associated with tranquility and freshness, and has notable individuals bearing the name.
The name Brook is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the MidWest 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, Brook has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Brook' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5870th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3635th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1368th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 889th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1532nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4112th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5924th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 7607th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3488th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 871st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 782nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1130th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3101st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Brook' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Brook"
Pronunciation
/brʊk/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Brook' is derived from the Old English word 'broc,' meaning 'a small stream or a brook.' It conveys a sense of nature and tranquility.
Meaning
small stream
Language Evolution
Old English: broc, Middle English: brok, Modern English: brook
Historical Usage
The name 'Brook' gained popularity as a surname in medieval England and later transitioned to a given name in the 19th century, reflecting a growing appreciation for nature-inspired names.
Variants & Derivatives
Brooke, Brooks
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, 'Brook' is often regarded as a fresh and nature-inspired name, appealing to parents seeking a modern yet classic choice.
Famous People
Brook Shields, an American actress and model., Brook Lopez, an American professional basketball player.
Explore More Brook Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Brook"
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 "Brook"
"Brook" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5870th of 7545 | 17 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3635th of 6773 | 75 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1368th of 7552 | 612 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 889th of 10718 | 1,323 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1532nd of 16616 | 827 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4112th of 24088 | 345 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5924th of 23106 | 177 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7607th of 9204 | 12 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3488th of 12526 | 224 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 871st of 19264 | 2,472 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 782nd of 27321 | 3,933 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1130th of 35406 | 3,321 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3101st of 30306 | 635 |
Regional Popularity of "Brook" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
41.40% 922nd/2227 |
52.39% 1273rd/2430 |
68.91% 1966th/2853 |
32.58% 904th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
29.21% 858th/2937 |
39.82% 1387th/3483 |
37.27% 1311th/3518 |
20.33% 822nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
37.04% 1365th/3685 |
- |
45.98% 2388th/5194 |
27.94% 1765th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
57.14% 2618th/4582 |
- | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Brook" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
83.32% 2312th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
23.63% 694th/2937 |
42.12% 1467th/3483 |
31.72% 1116th/3518 |
16.89% 683rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
15.58% 574th/3685 |
29.59% 1324th/4475 |
15.58% 809th/5194 |
13.53% 855th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
19.14% 877th/4582 |
25.83% 1334th/5164 |
17.91% 1310th/7313 |
16.33% 1219th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.92% 3184th/3984 |
54.87% 2462nd/4487 |
65.11% 4442nd/6822 |
49.04% 3078th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Brook"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Brook" 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.