Brock

Brock comes from the Olde English brocc meaning “badger” – ultimately an ancient Celtic loanword meaning the same (Gaelic: broc; Scottish: brock; Welsh: broch). The badger was a particularly sacred animal to the early Celts, symbolic of survival: encompassing the traits of tenacity, courage, will-power and, generally speaking, a fighting spirit. Brock essentially comes from the Proto-Celtic root *bkokko- meaning “grey” (describing the badger’s color); possibly from the Proto-Indo-European root *tek- meaning “to construct.” The term “badger” is also connected to the French bêcheur meaning “digger” (in reference to how the badger often times occupies himself). Unafraid in the face of danger and unwilling to back down from the most dire of threats, the feisty little badger became a regal figure to the ancient Celtic people.  Brock started out as a surname in medieval England, derived from a nickname, most likely given to one who resembled a badger (perhaps with a stripe of white hair), or to an enthusiastic, impish young fellow. The surname was first recorded as “le Broc” in Essex in the early 13th century. Eventually, in more modern times (mid-20th century), Brock became a masculine given name. It is, however, almost exclusively used in the United States (and a little bit in Australia).