Brooks

English
"of the brook"

Brooks Origin and Meaning

The name Brooks is a boy's name of English origin meaning "of the brook".

A nature name, a word name, and a surname name, Brooks has plenty of cool factor. It gives off cowboy vibes and a sporty feel, while also maintaining a smart, collected image.

Used occasionally as a given name throughout the 20th century, Brooks gained serious attention during the 2010’s. Following fast on the heels of stylish Kai and classic Jack, Brooks is now in the US Top 100.

Derived from the English surname Brook, meaning “one who lives near the steam”, Brooks could appeal to anyone who wants an outdoorsy name connected to nature and to those enjoy the sleek, smart trend of surnames as first names.

While it might feel very contemporary, Brooks has made its mark on history. Brooks Calbert Robinson played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977 and is considered one of the greatest third basemen ever. Other notable namesakes include: Brooks Atkinson an influential theatre critic; Brooks Betts, the guitarist of rock band “Mayday Parade”;E. B White, the author of Charlotte’s Web, who was born Elwyn Brooks; and Brooks Harris, a physicist.

With a more masculine slant than Brooke or Brooklyn, Brooks is given to over 4000 boys each year. It could be set to rise higher in the charts over the coming years, so if you enjoy the cool, surname-y style, you could also consider Boone, Wilder, Mack, Adair, Boyd, and Briggs as less popular alternatives.

# 73 in the US

Brooks Rank in US Top 1000

# 120 on Nameberry

Brooks Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Brooks Popularity

Famous People Named Brooks

  • Brooks Calbert Robinson
    American baseball player
  • Brooks Wackerman
    American drummer of metal band "Avenged Sevenfold"
  • Brooks Koepka
    American golfer
  • (William) Brooks Clift
    twin brother of American actor Montgomery Clift
  • Brooks Reed
    American football player
  • (Richard) Brooks Orpik
    American hockey player
  • Brooks Betts
    guitarist of American rock band Mayday Parade
  • (Evan) Brooks Laich
    Canadian hockey player
  • Brooks Patrick Wheelan
    American actor/comedian
  • Brooks Benedict (born Harold J. Mann)
    American actor
  • (Anthony) Brooks Firestone
    American businessman and politician
  • Brooks
    stage name of Thijs Westbroek, Dutch DJ
  • Brooks Varalla
    son of reality TV personality Allisyn Hardee Varalla ("Kim of Queens')
  • Brooks Resnikoff
    son of YouTuber Meg Resnikoff of "whatsupmoms"
  • Brooks Alan Stuber (b. 2012)
    son of model Molly Sims and Scott Stuber
  • Brooks Walker Byington (b. 2016)
    son of American vloggers Cullen and Katie
  • Brooks Hartman Brannen (b. 2016)
    son of reality TV personality Ashley Salter ("The Bachelor") and Austin Brannen

Brooks in Pop Culture

  • Brooks Hatlen
    a character in film "The Shawshank Redemption "
  • Brooks Wentworth
    character on TV's "Jessie"
  • Brooks Gleason
    main character in 'The Witness', by Nora Roberts.

Brooks in Nameberry Blog Posts