An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Bach

by Friedrich Kluge

Bach, m. (MidLG. and LG., fem.), from the equiv. MidHG. bach (plur. bęche), m. (MidG. fem.), OHG. bah, m., ‘brook.’ Comp. OSax. bęki, MidLG. beke, Du. beek; a corresponding Goth. *baki-, m., is wanting; beside which the equiv. AS. becc, and OIc. bekkr (whence E. beck), m., presuppose a Goth. *bakki-. No Aryan root bhag- with a meaning applicable here can be found; both HG. backen and Gr. πηγή), ‘source,’ are scarcely allied to it, though Sans. bhañga, ‘breach, wave’ (see Bruch) may be so.