The name badger is probably derived from the French word ‘bécheur’ meaning digger. ‘Brock’ probably originated in Scandinavia and is retained in the gaelic languages.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae (weasel) family of carnivores. The weasel, otter, polecat, marten, mink, fisher, grison, sable, skunk and wolverine are all close relatives.