BACK

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Back

Origin and Meaning: The surname Back is of Old English origin, derived from the word "baec," which means "ridge" or "back." This surname likely referred to someone who lived by or on a ridge or hill, or perhaps to someone with a particular physical characteristic or role.

Geographical distribution: The surname Back is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It is scattered throughout the country, with clusters in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent.

Historical notes: The surname Back has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the medieval period. Individuals bearing this surname would have been involved in various occupations and activities across the centuries. The name may have evolved over time through variants like Backe and Backer.

Notable individuals with the surname Back include:

  • Sir Charles Back (1773–1845), a British diplomat and politician
  • Sir George Back (1796–1878), an English naval officer and explorer
  • Jim Backus (1913–1989), an American actor, born James Gilmore Backus, whose ancestors hailed from England

Variants: Variants of the surname Back include Backe, Backer, and Bak. These variations may have arisen due to dialectal differences, clerical errors, or other factors.

Popularity: The surname Back is not among the most common surnames in the United Kingdom but has a notable presence in certain regions. It continues to be passed down through generations, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British surnames.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. & Wilson, R. M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 2,380 people named Back in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,649th most common surname in Britain. Around 37 in a million people in Britain are named Back.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Angela
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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