Buck

The surname Buck is of Old English origin and is classified as a habitation name, derived from the Old English word "bucca," meaning male deer or goat. It is a toponymic surname, usually given to individuals who resided near an area where deer or goats were prominent. The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone who exhibited qualities of a stag, such as agility or strength.

The Buck surname has been recorded in England since medieval times, with variations such as Bucke and Buc. The name is widely distributed throughout the country, with notable concentrations in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yorkshire. Over time, the surname has branched out into different spellings and variations, reflecting regional dialects and pronunciations.

Individuals bearing the surname Buck have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, politics, academia, and the arts. Notable figures with the surname include Pearl S. Buck, an American writer and Nobel laureate known for her novels set in China, and Patricia Buck, a pioneering British astrophysicist.

Today, the surname Buck remains a common and identifiable name in the British Isles, with descendants of the original bearers dispersed around the world. The name continues to evoke images of nature, strength, and resilience, reflecting the historical significance of the buck as a symbol in English culture.

There are approximately 11,095 people named Buck in the UK. That makes it the 830th most common surname in Britain. Around 170 in a million people in Britain are named Buck.

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Catherine
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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