The name Beck has its origins in the Germanic language family, specifically from the Old English word "bæcc" or the Middle Low German word "bek," both meaning "stream" or "brook." It is believed to have emerged as a name during the medieval period in regions where these languages were spoken, such as parts of England and Germany.

The name Beck was initially used as a topographic surname, referring to a person who lived near a stream or brook. Over time, it transitioned into being used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries and regions influenced by Germanic culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Beck can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documented landowners in medieval England. The entry "Beccus" is listed, which is believed to be an early variation of the name Beck.

In the 12th century, a German monk named Bekkos (also spelled Beccos or Beccus) was a prominent figure in the Orthodox Church and played a significant role in the Council of Lyons in 1274, which aimed to reconcile the Eastern and Western churches.

During the Renaissance period, a notable figure named Beck von Leopoldsdorf (c. 1470-1540) was a German mathematician and astronomer who contributed to the development of trigonometry and the study of planetary motions.

In the 16th century, a Dutch painter named Jacobus Beck (c. 1535-1597) gained recognition for his landscape paintings and depictions of rural life in the Netherlands.

In the 19th century, Johann Philipp Beck (1766-1849) was a German musician and composer who wrote operas, symphonies, and chamber music, contributing to the development of Romantic-era classical music.

Another prominent figure with the name Beck was the German philosopher and author Ludwig Beck (1880-1944), who was a member of the German Resistance movement against the Nazi regime during World War II.

These examples illustrate the long-standing presence of the name Beck across various regions, professions, and historical periods, reflecting its Germanic roots and the diverse individuals who have borne this name throughout history.