Surname Buck - Meaning and Origin

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An enlightening experience with iGENEA's DNA test sheds light on the profound meaning behind the surname Buck and transforms a previously abstract connection to a lineage into an emotional journey into familial ties and self-identity. Discovering the rich history attached to your own surname can bring profound personal significance and a unique appreciation for one's heritage.

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Buck: What does the surname Buck mean?

The surname Buck is of Old English origin and was initially used as a nickname for someone who resembled a male deer, also known as a buck, in some aspect. It may refer to someone who was strong and fast, or who exhibited other characteristics of a deer. The name might have also impacted occupations or roles with a particular interaction with bucks, like a hunter. Eventually, it became a surname that passed down through generations. It is also found in many compound names and expressions in Anglo-Saxon narratives, symbolizing manliness or fierceness. The distribution of the Buck surname is global, but it is most frequently found in the United States, England, and Germany. It signifies a connection with nature, strength, and agility. It's important to note that the true meaning can vary based on geographical origin and cultural context.

Buck: Where does the name Buck come from?

The last name Buck originally derives from the Old English word "buc," which means a male deer or buck. In the Middle Ages, the name was given as a nickname to individuals who resembled a male deer in some way, like someone who was fleet of foot or someone who showed other characteristics associated with such a creature. It was also occasionally given to individuals who lived near a region frequented by bucks.

The surname Buck is most common in the United States today, primarily in the states of California, Texas, and Florida. Besides the US, the surname is also prevalent in England, Australia, Canada, Germany and South Africa. Despite its English origin, Buck is also popular in Germany because it coincidentally translates to "goat" in the German language which might have led to it being adopted as a surname there. Please note, the prevalence of a surname in a specific region does not always correlate with the original geographic origin of that surname.

Variations of the surname Buck

The surname Buck has several variants, alternative spellings and similar surnames from the same root. Some of these include: Bucke, Buckk, Bucc, Buk, Buc and Buch.

The surname Buck is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English pre-7th century "buc," meaning a male goat or a male deer, hence it's a metonymic occupational name for a keeper of bucks. Therefore, you may also find related surnames coming from the same root that are related to occupations or descriptions involving goats or deer, such as Deerkeeper or Goatmaster, although these are rare.

In Germany, the surname Buck originates from the Middle High German "bock," meaning "billy goat." Therefore, German variants of Buck include Bock, Bocke, Bucke and Buch.

Moreover, there's also a Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin for the surname Buck, where it's an Americanized form of the Jewish surname Bukh, which is a metonymic occupational name for a scribe.

In certain cases, depending on the historical context and geographical location of the family, surnames that sound similar to Buck may not necessarily have the same origins or meanings. Therefore, thorough research would be required if tracing the origins of a specific family bearing this surname.

Famous people with the name Buck

• Pearl S. Buck: American writer and novelist, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature.
• Peter Buck: Lead guitarist of the American rock band R.E.M.
• Joe Buck: Renowned American sportscaster, known for his work with Fox Sports.
• R. C. Buck: British mathematician.
• Betty Buck: American brewery owner, president, and owner of Buck Distributing Company.
• Linda B. Buck: Biologist awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
• Buck Owens: American singer and musician known for his contributions to country music.
• Lindsey Buck: American pop singer and songwriter.
• McKayla Maroney: formerly McKayla Rose Maroney Buck, she was an American gymnast who won Olympic Gold at the 2012 Games.
• Buck Baker: American race car driver.
• Leslie Buck: Businessman best known for designing the iconic New York City coffee cup.
• Frank Buck: 20th-century American animal collector and filmmaker.
• Toni Buckley: Australian film editor.
• Buck Showalter: Former baseball player and manager.
• Anson Buck: American writer on historical and political matters.
• Kendra Buck: American actress.
• Buck Henry: American actor, writer, film director, and television director.
• Jim Buck: known as "the original New York Dog Walker".

Other surnames

BucakBucarBucciBuceyBuchBüchBuchackerBuchalBuchalaBuchalikBuchallBuchallaBuchallikBuchalskiBuchalterBuchanBuchananBuchannanBuchannonBuchanonBucharamBuchbauerBuchbenderBuchbinderBuchdruckerBucheBücheBucheitBüchelBuchele