Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Brooks
BoyEnglish· “of the brook”
- Meaning
- of the brook
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- BROOKS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #64
- US babies 2025
- 4,877
- Best rank
- #64 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Brooks
Brooks is an English name that means “of the brook”.
Brooks is an English surname for someone who lived beside a brook or stream, from the Old English broc. The final s often marks a surname meaning "of the brook" or "son of Brook." Like many occupational and topographic surnames, it has moved into use as a first name, especially in the United States, where it has a relaxed, outdoorsy image. The name is short and sturdy, and its connection to running water gives it a calm, natural feel. Brooks fits well with other surname-style names such as Hayes, Wells and Hollis, and it also makes a neat middle name.
Popularity over time
Brooks has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 143 different years. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #64, and its highest count, 4,877 babies. Use has grown 195% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #744 in 1920, #893 in 1950, #497 in 1980, #707 in 2000, #401 in 2010, and #64 in 2025. Of the 57,946 US boys named Brooks since records began, 46% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 16,254 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Silas, Beau, Enzo, Atlas, and Waylon.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Brooks ranked highest in Utah, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #10 | 162 |
| Nebraska | #11 | 64 |
| South Dakota | #12 | 33 |
| Kansas | #13 | 94 |
| Delaware | #14 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Brooks over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Brooks is usually pronounced BROOKS, with one syllable. It has six letters, starts with B and ends in “-ks”.
Middle names for Brooks
A few middle names that flow with Brooks: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Brooks
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Lists that include Brooks
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Brooks mean?
Brooks is an English name that means “of the brook”.
What is the origin of the name Brooks?
Brooks has English roots. Brooks is an English surname for someone who lived beside a brook or stream, from the Old English broc.
Is Brooks a popular name?
Yes. Brooks ranked #64 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Brooks a boy or girl name?
Brooks is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Brooks over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Brooks?
Brooks is usually pronounced BROOKS. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings