Find out how popular the first name Brek has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Brek by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Brek is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Brek.

The history of the first name Brek

The given name Brek has its origins in the ancient Germanic languages, with roots tracing back to the 5th century CE. It is believed to be a variation of the Old Norse name Brekki, which means "slope" or "hillside." This name was commonly used among the Scandinavian Vikings who inhabited the coastal regions of modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

In the early medieval period, the name Brek gained popularity across various Germanic tribes, including the Franks, Saxons, and Angles. It was often associated with individuals who lived in hilly or mountainous areas, reflecting the name's connection to the natural landscape.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Brek can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, which were written in the 13th and 14th centuries. These sagas are a collection of stories and historical accounts that provide valuable insights into the lives and customs of the Norse people.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Brek. One of the most famous was Brek Ingvaldsson (c. 950-1015), a Norwegian chieftain and explorer known for his voyages to Greenland and Vinland (present-day Newfoundland, Canada). His exploits were documented in the Greenland Saga and the Saga of Erik the Red.

Another prominent figure with the name Brek was Brek the Wise (c. 1050-1120), a renowned scholar and philosopher from Denmark. He was highly respected for his knowledge and teachings, and his writings on ethics and morality were widely studied during the Middle Ages.

In the 12th century, Brek Skaldason (c. 1140-1210) was a revered Icelandic skald (poet) and lawspeaker. His poetic works, which often celebrated the exploits of Norse kings and warriors, have been preserved in various manuscripts and continue to be studied by scholars of Old Norse literature.

During the 13th century, Brek the Bold (c. 1220-1290) was a legendary Norwegian warrior and leader. He is said to have led a group of Vikings on daring raids and conquests across the Baltic Sea region, earning him a reputation as a fearless and formidable commander.

In the 15th century, Brek Olafsson (c. 1440-1510) was a respected Icelandic chieftain and lawspeaker. He played a crucial role in preserving and documenting the island's ancient laws and customs, ensuring their transmission to future generations.

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

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

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