Lake Unisex
Origin(s)
Pronunciationlayk / /leɪk/English; Old English
Meaning
lake; body of water
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Lake is derived from the Old English word "lacu," which means "lake" or "stream." This term has its roots in the Proto-Germanic *laku, which also referred to a body of water. The transition into English occurred as the language evolved from Old English to Middle English, with the term retaining its association with bodies of water throughout this linguistic development. The name Lake, therefore, carries a straightforward meaning, directly referencing a natural feature, and it has been used as both a surname and a given name.
Historically, the use of Lake as a surname can be traced back to the medieval period in England, where surnames often derived from geographical features or locations. The name may have been used to denote individuals who lived near a lake or a stream, reflecting the importance of natural landmarks in identifying communities and families. In literature, bodies of water have often been imbued with symbolic meanings, representing tranquility, depth, and the passage of time, which may have contributed to the name's resonance in various cultural contexts.
In addition to its geographical significance, the name Lake has appeared in various cultural references, including literature and art, where lakes often symbolize reflection and introspection. The name may also evoke a sense of nature and the outdoors, appealing to those who appreciate the natural world. While diminutive forms or variations of the name are not widely documented, the straightforward nature of Lake allows it to stand alone as a name with clear associations to the environment.
Trend Summary
Lake has seen a gradual increase in popularity as a given name in the United States.
Similar Names
Variants
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International Variants
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Famous people named Lake
Lake Bell is an actress and writer best known for In a World..., No Escape, and Wet Hot American Summer.
Fictional characters named Lake
Lake is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. They are a key figure in the storyline, often associated with the themes of nature and the balance between worlds.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Lake was first seen in the United States in 1891. Lake has ranked as high as #1256 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. In the past 5 years the name Lake has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Lake (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 9 | |
GA | 7 | |
MI | 7 | |
CA | 7 | |
FL | 6 | |
WA | 6 | |
LA | 5 | |
TN | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1891 | 5 |
1892 | 6 |
1899 | 5 |
1910 | 5 |
1911 | 7 |
1912 | 7 |
1914 | 9 |
1915 | 12 |
1916 | 16 |
1917 | 16 |
1918 | 17 |
1919 | 22 |
1920 | 29 |
1921 | 15 |
1922 | 14 |
1923 | 15 |
1924 | 10 |
1925 | 12 |
1926 | 16 |
1927 | 15 |
1928 | 14 |
1929 | 9 |
1930 | 15 |
1931 | 12 |
1932 | 8 |
1933 | 9 |
1934 | 9 |
1935 | 11 |
1936 | 9 |
1937 | 5 |
1939 | 13 |
1940 | 11 |
1941 | 6 |
1942 | 7 |
1943 | 5 |
1945 | 8 |
1946 | 12 |
1947 | 8 |
1948 | 6 |
1949 | 9 |
1950 | 13 |
1951 | 6 |
1952 | 7 |
1953 | 10 |
1956 | 6 |
1957 | 9 |
1959 | 9 |
1960 | 7 |
1961 | 6 |
1964 | 6 |
1965 | 7 |
1966 | 7 |
1968 | 5 |
1971 | 10 |
1972 | 7 |
1974 | 14 |
1975 | 7 |
1976 | 6 |
1977 | 6 |
1978 | 8 |
1979 | 6 |
1980 | 8 |
1981 | 8 |
1984 | 12 |
1985 | 14 |
1986 | 13 |
1987 | 15 |
1988 | 13 |
1989 | 13 |
1990 | 22 |
1991 | 24 |
1992 | 18 |
1993 | 29 |
1994 | 39 |
1995 | 81 |
1996 | 86 |
1997 | 78 |
1998 | 77 |
1999 | 55 |
2000 | 55 |
2001 | 50 |
2002 | 62 |
2003 | 61 |
2004 | 51 |
2005 | 66 |
2006 | 73 |
2007 | 67 |
2008 | 67 |
2009 | 77 |
2010 | 65 |
2011 | 52 |
2012 | 53 |
2013 | 45 |
2014 | 52 |
2015 | 65 |
2016 | 63 |
2017 | 74 |
2018 | 69 |
2019 | 82 |
2020 | 79 |
2021 | 88 |
2022 | 99 |
2023 | 88 |
2024 | 104 |