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Lake Unisex

Popularity: #820 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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

International Variants

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)

StateBirthsShare
TX 9
17%
GA 7
13%
MI 7
13%
CA 7
13%
FL 6
12%
WA 6
12%
LA 5
10%
TN 5
10%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18915
18926
18995
19105
19117
19127
19149
191512
191616
191716
191817
191922
192029
192115
192214
192315
192410
192512
192616
192715
192814
19299
193015
193112
19328
19339
19349
193511
19369
19375
193913
194011
19416
19427
19435
19458
194612
19478
19486
19499
195013
19516
19527
195310
19566
19579
19599
19607
19616
19646
19657
19667
19685
197110
19727
197414
19757
19766
19776
19788
19796
19808
19818
198412
198514
198613
198715
198813
198913
199022
199124
199218
199329
199439
199581
199686
199778
199877
199955
200055
200150
200262
200361
200451
200566
200673
200767
200867
200977
201065
201152
201253
201345
201452
201565
201663
201774
201869
201982
202079
202188
202299
202388
2024104