BECK
Encyclopedia Entry: Beck
Surname Origin: Beck is a surname of Old Norse and Old English origins. In Old Norse, the name originated from "bekkr," meaning a stream or a brook. In Old English, it is derived from "bec," also referring to a stream or a brook. As such, the surname Beck is predominantly a toponymic name given to individuals who lived near a stream or a small river.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Beck is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent. It is among the top 1,000 surnames in England and Scotland, indicating its enduring presence in British society.
Historical Significance: The surname Beck has a rich history, with bearers of the name found in various historical records dating back centuries. The Beck family name has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, labourers, tradespeople, and even nobility.
Famous Bearers:
- Glenn Beck: An American conservative political commentator, radio host, and television producer with English heritage.
- Samuel Beck: A renowned British artist known for his landscape paintings in the 19th century.
- Kate Beckinsale: An English actress with roots in the Beck surname.
Coat of Arms: The Beck family coat of arms typically features heraldic symbols such as waves or a wavy fesse, representing the stream or brook from which the surname originates. These symbols often reflect the family's connection to water and the land.
Modern Day: In contemporary times, the surname Beck continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their ancestral roots. Many bearers of the Beck surname can be found across various professions and walks of life, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British society.
Conclusion: The surname Beck, with its origins tied to the landscape of streams and rivers, encapsulates a part of British heritage. Its prevalence across the UK, combined with the diverse achievements of its bearers, underscores the enduring legacy of this ancient surname in the annals of British history.
There are approximately 13,844 people named Beck in the UK. That makes it the 646th most common surname in Britain. Around 213 in a million people in Britain are named Beck.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Amanda
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Baack
- Baacke
- Baak
- Bac
- Bach
- Back
- Backa
- Backe
- Backes
- Backie
- Backo
- Backs
- Backx
- Bacs
- Baeck
- Baecke
- Baek
- Bagha
- Bahk
- Baic
- Baik
- Bak
- Bake
- Bakk
- Bakke
- Baks
- Baque
- Baugh
- Beack
- Beak
- Beake
- Beakes
- Beakie
- Beaks
- Bec
- Beca
- Becca
- Becce
- Becci
- Bech
- Becka
- Becke
- Beckes
- Beckey
- Beckh
- Beckie
- Becks
- Beckus
- Becky
- Becow
- Becque
- Becs
- Becsi
- Beeck
- Beecky
- Beek
- Beeke
- Beekes
- Beekie
- Beeko
- Beeks
- Beick
- Beik
- Beiki
- Bek
- Beka
- Bekay
- Beke
- Bekes
- Beki
- Bekk
- Bekkai
- Bekki
- Beko
- Bekoe
- Bekou
- Beks
- Beksa
- Belk
- Belke
- Belks
- Bex
- Beyki
- Bick
- Biec
- Biecki
- Biek
- Boag
- Bock
- Bogg
- Buck
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.