Find out how popular the first name Buck has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Buck by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Buck is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 66 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Buck.

The history of the first name Buck

The name Buck has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "bucca," which means a male goat or ram. This association with male animals likely contributed to its eventual use as a masculine given name. The name's earliest recorded use can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, where it was popular among the rural population, particularly those involved in agriculture or animal husbandry.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Buck was Bucky of Bucks County, a landowner and farmer who lived in Pennsylvania during the late 17th century. His full name was Jeremiah Buck, and he was known for his contributions to the early settlement of the region.

In the 18th century, the name gained popularity among English and American families. Notable individuals from this period include Buck Whalley, an English cricketer who played for Hampshire County Cricket Club in the 1770s, and Buck Jones, an American frontiersman and explorer who was born in 1765 and played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States.

As the centuries progressed, the name continued to be used across various cultures and regions. In the 19th century, Buck Ewing, an American baseball player and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, was born in 1859. He was renowned for his defensive skills and is considered one of the greatest catchers in the history of the sport.

Another famous individual with the name Buck was Buck Owens, an American singer-songwriter and actor who was born in 1929 and is credited with popularizing the Bakersfield sound in country music. He had numerous hit songs throughout the 1960s and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996.

In the realm of literature, Buck Mulligan is a notable character in James Joyce's renowned novel "Ulysses," published in 1922. Mulligan's irreverent and bohemian personality played a significant role in the novel's exploration of modern life and the human condition.

While the name Buck has its roots in Old English and the agricultural traditions of medieval England, it has transcended its humble beginnings and has been embraced by individuals from various backgrounds and cultures throughout history.

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

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

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