First found in Westphalia, where the name emerged in mediaeval times as that of a notable family in the region. From the 13th century the surname was identified with the great social and economic evolution which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation.

Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them: Abraham Beck, who came to Philadelphia in 1751; Christian Beck, age 40; arrived in Texas in 1846; Jacob Beck settled in Philadelphia in 1738; Johann Beck, age 27.

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