Surname Beek - Meaning and Origin
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Beek: What does the surname Beek mean?
The last name Beek has Dutch origins and is derived from the word 'Bek', which means 'stream' or 'brook'. Beek was originally used as a descriptive name to refer to someone who lived near or by a stream or brook of water.
The name Beek is particularly common in The Netherlands, and is thought to have originated in the coastal provinces of the western Netherlands. It could have also originated in East Frisia, an area in what is now the German state of Lower Saxony.
Beek is one of the most common Dutch surnames and has been borne by multiple prominent figures in Dutch history. It has also been used as a given name, as a variant of Bekke, which is an old Frisian personal name.
Today, the Beek surname is found all over the world, with Beeks living in many other European countries, Australia, Canada, the US and more. In the US, the surname is particularly common in California, New Jersey, Texas and New York.
It's likely that the surname "Beek" will continue to be a common one, as long-time bearers of this surname have often passed it down through their families, across generations and even across oceans.
Order DNA origin analysisBeek: Where does the name Beek come from?
The last name Beek is historically linked to Dutch roots, although variations of the name can be found throughout Europe and beyond. Today, the most common last name Beek can be found in the Netherlands and Belgium, particularly in the northern provinces.
In the Netherlands, the last name is most common in North Holland, South Holland, and Gelderland, while in Belgium it is found predominantly in Flemish (Dutch speaking) provinces such as Antwerp and Limburg.
The surname Beek is derived from the Dutch noun 'beek', which translates to 'stream' or 'brook'. Therefore, it can be inferred that the surname Beek was the name given to those that lived or worked near a stream or brook.
The surname Beek is also relatively common outside of the Netherlands and Belgium. It is found in Northern Europe (in countries such as Germany, Finland, and Denmark) as well as in France, Spain, and Portugal. Further afield, it can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand among other countries.
In summary, the last name Beek is most common in the Netherlands and Belgium, but can also be found in Northern Europe and beyond. It is derived from the Dutch noun 'beek', which means 'stream' or 'brook'.
Variations of the surname Beek
The surname Beek originated from Dutch and means “creek” or “brook.” It is a common last name in the Netherlands, where it is spelt Bek. This spelling is also seen in the Anglo-Dutch form Beke.
Variant spellings of this name include Beke, Bekke and Bek. These variants are often found in Dutch families who have emigrated to other countries around the world.
Other surnames that have the same origin as Beek are Beeks, Beeken, Bekens, Bekker, Bekkers, Beekers, Beekman and Beekmans. These alternate spellings may have been adopted over the generations in different countries.
Some other surnames of Dutch origin derived from Beek include Beck, Becken, Becker, Beckers, Beckenbach, Beckenbauer and Beckman.
The surname Bekker is believed to have derived from “dweller by the creek.” This derivation is supported by the fact that it is sometimes written as Bekker or Becker meaning “living beside the creek.” Bekker is especially common in the Netherlands and Canada.
The surname Beckers is derived from the Old Dutch word “beckh”, meaning small stream, and this is the probable source of the Beckers variation.
The surname Beke is derived from the Middle Dutch word “beke,” which means small stream. It is not uncommon to find this surname in the Netherlands today, as well as other countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia.
Finally, the Dutch surname Beeks is derived from “beks” meaning small stream or river. This surname is especially common in countries such as the United States, Canada and Netherlands.
In summary, Beek is a Dutch surname that means “creek” or “brook.” There are numerous variant spellings, surnames and derivations of this name. These include Beke, Bekke, Bek, Beeks, Beeken, Bekens, Bekker, Bekkers, Beekers, Beekman, Beekmans, Beck, Becken, Becker, Beckers, Beckenbach, Beckenbauer, Beckman, Bekker and Beke.
Famous people with the name Beek
- Lizzo (real name: Melissa Viviane Jefferson): Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress.
- Rachel van Beek: Dutch Olympian equestrian athlete.
- Bret Beekman: American football coach and former player.
- Graeme Beeks: South African cricketer.
- Debbie Beeks: American actress and dancer.
- Madelief Beek: Dutch ice speed skater.
- Dick Beek: Dutch cyclist who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- Barry Beeks: American professional basketball player.
- Jeannine Beekman: Dutch waterpolo player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Julius Beek: Dutch volleyball player who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
- Gary Beeks: American basketball coach and former player.
- Bill Beek: American former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Klaas Beek: Dutch soccer goalkeeper who played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
- Hugo Beek: Dutch modern pentathlete who competed at the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics.