Find out how popular the first name Balke has been for the last 9 years (from 1982 to 1990) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Balke by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Balke is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1990, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Balke.

The history of the first name Balke

The name Balke is of Dutch origin, deriving from the Middle Dutch word "balke," which means "beam" or "log." This name likely originated during the medieval period in the Low Countries region, which includes present-day Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of northern France.

In the Netherlands, the name Balke was initially an occupational surname given to individuals who worked with beams or logs, such as carpenters, woodworkers, or loggers. Over time, it transitioned into a given name, although its usage has been relatively rare.

Records of the name Balke can be traced back to the 16th century. One of the earliest documented instances is Balke Willems, a Dutch carpenter who lived in Haarlem in the mid-1500s. Another notable figure was Balke Jansen, a merchant from Amsterdam who was mentioned in historical documents from the late 16th century.

Throughout history, there have been a handful of individuals bearing the name Balke who achieved some level of recognition. For instance, Balke Hendriks (1620-1678) was a Dutch painter known for his landscapes and genre scenes. Balke Jansen van Renesse (1567-1625) was a Dutch military officer who served in the Eighty Years' War against Spain.

In the 19th century, Balke Ader (1819-1892) was a Norwegian painter renowned for his romantic depictions of Norwegian landscapes and seascapes. Balke Hansen (1867-1932) was a Norwegian architect who designed several notable buildings in Oslo.

Another notable figure was Balke Sørensen (1897-1979), a Danish author and journalist who wrote several books on cultural and historical topics.

While the name Balke has Dutch roots, it has occasionally appeared in other European countries, likely due to migration or cultural exchange. However, its usage has remained relatively uncommon compared to more popular given names.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Balke was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Balke, please contact us.

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