Origin and Meaning of Bach

Meaning & Origin

Stream or brook

Origin: German - Derived from the Middle High German 'bach', which means 'stream' or 'brook'. The name can refer to someone who lived by a stream.

Interesting Facts

  • Bach is a surname that is most famously associated with the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who lived during the Baroque period and is considered one of the greatest composers in Western music history.
  • In German-speaking countries, the name is often used as both a surname and a given name, particularly in the context of honoring heritage or artistic legacy.
  • Various notable figures share the surname Bach, contributing to its recognition, including musicians, composers, and scientists.
  • As a given name, Bach is relatively uncommon, but it has seen a slight rise in popularity in recent years due to the cultural associations with music and artistic achievement.
  • There are variations of the name in different languages, such as 'Bache' in French, though these are less commonly used.