Teak

♂ Boy

Pronounced TEEK /ˈtiːk/High

Meaning: Teak is an English word-name for the dense, weather-resistant tropical hardwood, borrowed through Portuguese teca from Malayalam tekka. Used as a given name it reads as a nature and material name, sturdy and warm-toned.Medium

In 30 seconds: A nature word-name with grain and warmth: Teak is the golden tropical hardwood (said 'TEEK'). Sturdy, short, and modern.

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Origin LowEnglish, Malayalam

MeaningTeak is an English word-name for the dense, weather-resistant tropical hardwood, borrowed through Portuguese teca from Malayalam tekka. Used as a given name it reads as a nature and material name, sturdy and warm-toned.

U.S. rank (2024)#13976 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 62

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

Teak comes into English from Portuguese teca, itself from Malayalam tekka, naming the tough golden hardwood of South and Southeast Asia. As a first name it belongs to the modern wave of nature and material word-names — Cedar, Ash, Slate — chosen for texture rather than lineage (said 'TEEK').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, nature-styled, and one crisp beat.

Did you know? Teak wood is prized for weathering rain and salt without rotting, which is why it lines the decks of boats — a quietly durable idea to carry in a name (said 'TEEK').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Teak — English word-name; Malayalam tekka via Portuguese teca; nature/material name

Variations

TeakeTeek

Nicknames

TTeaky

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Teak…

Cedar— a like tree word-name

Asher— a like tree-echoing choice

Flint— a same-texture material word-name

Truth— the same modern feel

Todd— shares Teak's English roots

Explore names like Teak

By thememodern word-name short nature

By meaningGift / Blessing Earth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Teak mean?

Teak is an English word-name for the hard golden tropical wood, borrowed from Malayalam tekka by way of Portuguese.

How do you pronounce Teak?

It's said TEEK /ˈtiːk/ — one syllable.

Is Teak a boy or girl name?

Here Teak is used as a boy's name; like most nature word-names it can work either way.

How popular is Teak?

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