What does Barak mean and where does it come from?
The name Barak (בָּרָק) is of Hebrew origin, widely known for its Biblical reference to a military leader who, alongside the prophetess Deborah, defeated the Canaanite general Sisera. It hints at strength and swiftness, akin to the natural phenomenon of lightning. Barak gained international notoriet
Cultural significance
Barak has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lightning.
Peak popularity
Reached #2275 in 1970 — currently #8331 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Barak?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Barak?
Barak works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Barak Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Barak Rose
Floral · soft ending
Barak Mae
Sweet · timeless
Barak Claire
French influence · crisp
Barak Jane
Literary · strong
Barak Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Barak right now?
Falling — down 2147 spots — currently #8331 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8331 | 9 | ▼ down 2147 · -36% births |
| 2022 | #6184 | 14 | ▲ up 1475 · +40% births |
| 2021 | #7659 | 10 | ▼ down 122 |
| 2020 | #7537 | 10 | ▲ up 2201 · +43% births |
| 2015 | #9738 | 7 | ▼ down 1474 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #8264 | 9 | ▼ down 4786 · -68% births |
| 2005 | #3478 | 28 | ▲ up 493 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #3971 | 20 | ▼ down 220 · +18% births |
| 1995 | #3751 | 17 | ▼ down 221 |
| 1990 | #3530 | 17 | ▼ down 514 · +6% births |
| 1985 | #3016 | 16 | ▼ down 431 · -16% births |
| 1980 | #2585 | 19 | ▲ up 265 · +36% births |
| 1975 | #2850 | 14 | ▼ down 575 · -18% births |
| 1970 | #2275 | 17 | ▲ up 1203 · +143% births |
| 1965 | #3478 | 7 | — |
The story of Barak
Barak entered American naming records in 1953 and has been in use for over 71 years. With 866 total births recorded, Barak remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3478 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8331 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Barak in 1970:
Barak by decade
Barak peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 10 | |
| 1960s | 63 | |
| 1970s | 135 | |
| 1980s | 151 | |
| 1990s ★ | 213 | |
| 2000s | 195 | |
| 2010s | 89 | |
| 2020s | 10 | |
💎Barak has only 866 total recorded births since 1953 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Barak?
Famous people named Barak
B(
Barak (historical community leader)
Barak led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Barak?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Barak also consider these
Common questions about the name Barak
What does the name Barak mean?
Barak means "Lightning" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Barak?
Barak is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Barak?
Barak originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Barak?
Barak is a two-syllable name pronounced B AA1 R AH0 K. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Barak a common or rare name?
Barak is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.