Beckett

Beckett is a surname of English origin. It is thought to derive from the Old English word beck, meaning a small stream, with the diminutive suffix -et, describing someone associated with a place by such a feature or descended from an inhabitant of a locality named for a small stream. The name is found in English-speaking countries and has given rise to various place names and families over time.

The most widely known bearer is Samuel Beckett (1906–1989), an Irish writer and Nobel laureate whose work helped redefine modern drama and prose. His plays, including Waiting for Godot and Endgame, are noted for sparse dialogue and existential themes. His novels—Molloy, Malone Dies, and The Unnamable—are also regarded as influential. Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969, and his work continues to be studied for its innovation and philosophical depth.

Beckett also appears in other contexts. Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and Beckett Media provide grading, authentication, and price guides for collectibles such as sports cards and comics. Beckett is the title of a 2021 Netflix thriller film directed by Ferdinando Cito Filomarino. Additionally, the name is used as a toponym in various English-speaking locales, reflecting its geographic origins.