Brooke is a given name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly for baby girls. It is believed to have emerged as a short form of the surname Brooke, which itself is derived from Old English words "brōc" meaning badger and "hēah" meaning high or prominent.
The name Brooke is often associated with beautiful landscapes, as it also refers to a body of water that flows through valleys or hills. This connection makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a nature-inspired name with a strong meaning.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Brooke who have made significant contributions in various fields. For instance, the English poet and playwright William Brook (also spelled Brooke) lived during the Elizabethan era and was known for his works such as "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet." More recently, actresses Brooke Shields and Brooke Langton have achieved fame through their successful acting careers.
Overall, the name Brooke offers a unique blend of strength and elegance, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the annual birth statistics for the name Brooke in the United States from 1914 to 2019, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
From 1914 to 1935, there were fewer than 20 births of girls named Brooke each year. The lowest point was in 1918 with just 6 births. However, the number began to increase steadily from 1935 onwards, reaching double digits every year until 1954.
The peak popularity for the name Brooke occurred between 1948 and 1957, during which there were consistently over 20 births each year, with a high of 32 in 1958. This period corresponds to the post-World War II baby boom era.
After peaking in the late 1950s, the number of girls named Brooke began to decline, falling below 20 births per year by 1967. However, there was another spike in popularity between 1969 and 1980, with over 40 births each year during this period.
Since then, the name Brooke has seen fluctuating levels of popularity but has remained relatively stable. Between 1981 and 2019, the number of births ranged from a low of 5 in 2019 to a high of 35 in 1988, with an average of around 20 births per year.
In total, there were 2,024 girls named Brooke born in the United States between 1914 and 2019. This statistic includes all recorded births during this period but does not account for any potential errors or omissions in record-keeping.
Overall, these statistics illustrate how the popularity of the name Brooke has ebbed and flowed over time, peaking during certain decades before tapering off again. Despite these fluctuations, Brooke remains a popular choice among parents in the United States, with hundreds of new Brookes being born each year.