Barak is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical figure Barak son of Abinoam, who was a military commander and judge in ancient Israel. The name Barak means "lightning" or "flash," reflecting the swiftness and power of this natural phenomenon.
In the Hebrew Bible, Barak is best known for his role as a military leader under the guidance of the prophetess Deborah during the time of the judges. Together, they led the Israelites to victory against the Canaanite army at Mount Tabor in what is now northern Israel.
The name Barak has been used throughout Jewish history and can be found among various cultures that have adopted Hebrew names, such as Christians and Muslims. Today, Barak remains a popular choice for parents seeking a strong and meaningful name for their children.
In terms of its sound and appearance, the name Barak is simple yet distinctive. It consists of just three letters in the Hebrew alphabet (bet, resh, and kof), which can be written as בָּרֶךְ when transliterated into Latin characters. This concise spelling contributes to the name's memorability and ease of pronunciation.
Overall, Barak is an ancient and powerful name with a rich history that continues to resonate with parents today seeking a meaningful moniker for their children. Its origins in biblical lore and its straightforward yet impactful meaning make it an appealing choice for those looking for a name that combines tradition with strength.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the name Barak in the United States from 1953 to 2023.
Firstly, the number of babies named Barak fluctuated over time. The highest peak was reached in 1980 with 19 births, followed by another peak in 2005 with 28 births. However, there were also years where fewer than 10 babies were named Barak, such as in 2011 and 2013.
Secondly, we can observe that the name Barak gained popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This period saw consistently high numbers of births for this name compared to previous years. However, since then, its popularity has fluctuated more widely year by year, with some periods showing a decline in usage.
Lastly, despite fluctuations over time, the name Barak has remained relatively uncommon overall. With a total of 903 births recorded from 1953 to 2023, it is not among the most popular names chosen for babies born during these years.
In conclusion, while there were periods when the name Barak gained some popularity in the United States, its usage has generally remained uncommon and variable over time.