Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Brook

Brook

♂ Boy

Pronounced BROOK /ˈbrʊk/High

Meaning: From Old English broc, 'a small stream, a brook' — originally for one who lived by a brook; used for both sexes; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: A small stream: Brook is a nature-name — 'a brook'. Crisp, calm, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningFrom Old English broc, 'a small stream, a brook' — originally for one who lived by a brook; used for both sexes; here for boys
U.S. rank (2024)#6206 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births14 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1961
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,376

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196119152024

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

Brook comes from Old English broc, 'a small stream, a brook' — originally a surname for someone who lived beside one. A crisp, calm nature-name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; the spelling Brooke leans more to girls; nickname Brook).

It registers thinly for boys (Brooke leans to girls). Rare, a-small-stream at the root, and calm.

Did you know? A brook is 'a small stream' (Old English broc) — Brook was first a name for someone who lived by one — a crisp, calm nature-name, used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'BROOK').
Overall data confidence 58%
Behind the Name — Brook — root etymology

Variations

BrookeBrooksBrock

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Brook…

Brooks— the -s surname form
Brock— a sound-neighbor Br- boys' name
Reed— another nature boys' name
Rook— shares the -ok ending
Blair— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Brook

By themeenglishunisexnature-name
By meaningSea / Water

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Brook mean?

Brook is Old English for 'a small stream, a brook' — first a name for one who lived by one.

How do you pronounce Brook?

It's said BROOK /ˈbrʊk/ — one syllable.

Is Brook a boy or girl name?

Brook is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Brook?

Brook is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia