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Lane Unisex

Popularity: #247 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationLayn / leɪn

English; French

Meaning

English: pathway; French: from the lane

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Lane has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "lanu," which means "a lane" or "a narrow way." This term was used to describe a path or a roadway, particularly one that was less traveled. The transition of the name into English occurred through the Norman influence in the 11th century, where it was adopted into Middle English as "lane," retaining its original meaning. The name has also been linked to the Old French word "laine," meaning "a path" or "a way," further solidifying its etymological foundation in the context of travel and passage.

Historically, the name Lane has been associated with various geographical locations and landmarks, often used as a surname before being adopted as a given name. In England, the use of surnames became more common in the 13th century, and Lane was frequently used to denote individuals who lived near a specific lane or pathway. The name appears in historical records from the medieval period, with notable mentions in the 14th century, where it was used in various forms in legal documents and land grants.

Culturally, the name Lane carries connotations of journey and exploration, reflecting the significance of pathways in both literal and metaphorical senses. It evokes a sense of direction and movement, which has resonated through literature and folklore. The name has also been used in various literary works, symbolizing the journey of life and the choices one makes along the way. While diminutive forms like "Lanny" have emerged, the name Lane itself has maintained a straightforward and enduring presence throughout history, embodying the essence of its origins.

Trend Summary

Lane has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Laine
  • Lain

International Variants

  • Léon (French)
  • Lena (German)

Famous people named Lane

Lane Kiffin is a football coach best known for his time with the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Volunteers, and Ole Miss Rebels.

Lane Smith is an actor best known for his roles in The Mask, My Cousin Vinny, and the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

Lane Frost was a professional bull rider best known for winning the 1987 PRCA World Championship and his influence on the sport.

Fictional characters named Lane

Lane Pryce is a fictional character from the TV series Mad Men. He is the British financial officer at the advertising agency Sterling Cooper who faces various personal and professional challenges.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Lane was first seen in the United States in 1881. Lane has ranked as high as #446 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Lane has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Lane (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 151
12%
OH 77
6%
FL 56
4%
MO 49
4%
PA 49
4%
CA 48
4%
IL 47
4%
NC 42
3%
MI 41
3%
TN 41
3%
OK 40
3%
LA 39
3%
GA 38
3%
IA 36
3%
WA 35
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18815
18826
18965
18975
18996
19035
19056
19088
19095
19107
191110
191313
191418
191523
191624
191728
191828
191926
192024
192141
192245
192340
192444
192533
192644
192730
192838
192949
193053
193130
193255
193347
193445
193569
193656
193759
193878
193973
194067
194170
194281
194369
194483
194580
1946119
1947117
1948113
1949146
1950160
1951181
1952187
1953181
1954183
1955184
1956194
1957183
1958198
1959342
1960277
1961261
1962271
1963211
1964278
1965225
1966216
1967218
1968215
1969244
1970232
1971194
1972151
1973134
1974155
1975146
1976154
1977134
1978130
1979148
1980148
1981176
1982173
1983137
1984169
1985180
1986219
1987210
1988248
1989239
1990328
1991289
1992296
1993299
1994689
19951,168
19961,070
1997967
1998954
1999968
20001,015
2001894
2002981
20031,129
20041,068
20051,039
2006986
20071,016
20081,053
20091,053
20101,062
20111,294
20121,223
20131,152
20141,200
20151,209
20161,231
20171,178
20181,212
20191,406
20201,370
20211,320
20221,338
20231,373
20241,331