Bex first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Bex has been for the last 9 years (from 2015 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Bex

A diminutive form of the name Rebecca, from Hebrew meaning "to bind".

Popularity of Bex by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Bex is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 84% of people named Bex being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bex.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 14 0
2022 11 8
2021 12 0
2020 14 6
2019 6 0
2018 7 0
2015 7 0

The history of the first name Bex

The given name Bex is believed to have originated from the Old English word "beorc," which means "birch tree." This suggests that the name may have its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture, dating back to the 5th to 11th centuries. It is possible that the name was initially used as a reference to the birch tree or as a descriptor for someone who lived near a birch forest.

Some linguists have also linked the name Bex to the Old Norse word "bekkr," which means "stream" or "brook." This connection could indicate that the name was used to describe someone who lived near a stream or worked with water in some capacity.

In its early forms, the name was often spelled as "Becca" or "Becka," and it was primarily used as a feminine name. However, there are historical records of the name being used for both males and females during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bex can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript compiled in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. This document mentions a landowner named Becca, who held lands in Hertfordshire, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bex. One prominent example is Bex Palmer (1782-1859), an English painter and engraver known for his landscapes and portraits. Another is Bex Wilkinson (1915-2001), a British actress and singer who appeared in various stage productions and films during the mid-20th century.

In the literary world, Bex Marsh (1892-1965) was an American writer and journalist who covered World War I as a war correspondent. Her memoir, "A Woman in the War," provided insights into the experiences of female reporters during the conflict.

In the field of science, Bex Cartwright (1916-2008) was a pioneering British chemist who made significant contributions to the study of organometallic compounds and their applications in catalysis.

Lastly, Bex Summers (1944-2021) was a renowned Australian Indigenous artist and activist, renowned for her vibrant paintings that celebrated her cultural heritage and advocated for the rights of Aboriginal communities.

While the name Bex has been used throughout history, its popularity has fluctuated over time. However, it remains a unique and distinctive name with ties to various cultures and historical figures.

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 Bex was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Bex first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 28, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/bex-meaning-and-history/.

"Bex first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/bex-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 28 May, 2025

Bex first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/bex-meaning-and-history/.

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