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Barak

♂ Boy

Pronounced BAH-rahk /ˈbɑ.rɑk/Medium

Meaning: From Hebrew Barak, 'lightning' (a victorious commander in the Book of Judges)Medium

In 30 seconds: Lightning: Barak is Hebrew for 'lightning'. Bold, strong, and storied (the commander of Judges).

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew Barak, 'lightning' (a victorious commander in the Book of Judges)

U.S. rank (2025)#9015 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 929

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Barak comes from Hebrew Barak, 'lightning' — the courageous commander who, alongside the prophetess Deborah, defeated the army of Sisera in the Book of Judges. A bold, strong, storied name (the same root as 'Baruch', 'blessed', is a separate name; said 'BAH-rahk').

In the U.S. it appears in Jewish families. Rare, lightning at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Barak means 'lightning' in Hebrew (the victorious military commander who, with the prophetess Deborah, led Israel to victory in the Book of Judges) — a bold, strong name (distinct from the Arabic-rooted Barack).

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Barak — etymology

Variations

BarackBaraq

Nicknames

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If you like Barak…

Baruch— a sound-neighbor 'blessed' Hebrew name

Gideon— a companion Judges hero-name

Isak— another Hebrew name

Izak— lands in the same popularity range

Isaak— a similarly popular pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Barak mean?

Barak is Hebrew for 'lightning' (a commander in the Book of Judges).

How do you pronounce Barak?

It's said BAH-rahk /ˈbɑ.rɑk/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Barak a boy or girl name?

Barak is a boy's name.

How popular is Barak?

Barak is a rare name in the U.S.