Brooke, of Old English origin, means "small brook" or "stream". It is derived from the Middle English word "brook", which evolved from the Old English term "brōc". This moniker was initially used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name for females in the mid-20th century. The name Brooke gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, peaking at its highest rank of #305 in 1987. It has since maintained steady usage, making it a timeless choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughter. The name Brooke is also known for its association with the American actress Brooke Shields, who was born on May 31, 1965.
The name Brooke has had varying popularity over the years, with significant spikes in usage from 1935 onwards. The peak occurred in 1948 with 30 births, followed by another notable high of 60 births in 1970. Since then, its popularity has generally declined, with only 5 births recorded in 2019. Overall, Brooke has been given to a total of 2024 babies between 1914 and 2019.