Teak
A boy's name of Tamil origin with 62 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
An extremely durable timber highly valued for shipbuilding and other purposes, yielded by Tectona grandis (and Tectona spp.).
Teak is a boy's baby name of Portuguese and Tamil origin, from the Portuguese teca, derived from the Tamil tekku or Malayalam tēkku — referring to the extraordinarily hard and durable tropical hardwood. Teak is one of the world's most valuable and resilient timbers.
Unusual and material in origin, Teak is a name for parents who love wood-related nature names like Ash, Birch, and Cedar — and want one that carries the weight and durability of something built to last forever.
EtymologyShow more
Teak first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1983. First appearing in the 1980s, Teak emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Tamil classification suggests a path from tamil linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Teak was #13023 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #13976, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 11 | #13062 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 28 | #11074 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 18 | #11942 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 5 | #7225 | — |
The Story of Teak
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2019, Teak is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Teak are most likely born between 2009 and 2024.
How rare is Teak?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Teak — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1983, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 28 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Teak by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(10 years, 1983–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #13976 |
| 2022 | 6 | #12148 |
| 2019 | 9 | #8800 |
| 2016 | 6 | #11998 |
| 2012 | 5 | #13996 |
| 2011 | 8 | #9502 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13803 |
| 2005 | 8 | #8999 |
| 2004 | 5 | #13023 |
| 1983 | 5 | #7225 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Teak a boy's or girl's name?
When was Teak most popular?
How popular is the name Teak?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1983–2024