Blake
Blake is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Dark-complexioned or pale/fair.
Origin and history
Blake originated as an Old English surname derived from terms meaning either 'black' or 'pale'. Historically used as a masculine name, it gained widespread popularity in the late 20th century in the United States and remains a steady choice today. Its classic, single-syllable sound gives it a modern yet rooted feel.
Popularity in the United States
186,558 babies in the United States have been named Blake since 1880. It ranks #196 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #233.
States where it is most popular
- CA (9.2 %)
- TX (8.9 %)
- FL (4.7 %)
- OH (4.7 %)
- MI (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 19 |
| 1890-1900 | 37 |
| 1900-1910 | 45 |
| 1910-1920 | 260 |
| 1920-1930 | 414 |
| 1930-1940 | 320 |
| 1940-1950 | 583 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,594 |
| 1960-1970 | 4,721 |
| 1970-1980 | 5,443 |
| 1980-1990 | 25,398 |
| 1990-2000 | 45,873 |
| 2000-2010 | 50,109 |
| 2010-2019 | 41,721 |
| 2020-2029 | 9,021 |
Famous people named Blake
- Blake Shelton: Singer, Musician
- Blake Griffin: Athlete, Basketball Player
- Blake Edwards: Director, Screenwriter
Fun facts
- Blake stems from two different Old English words—'blæc' meaning black/dark and 'blāc' meaning fair/pale—making its literal original meaning dual-natured.
- It was one of the early wave of English surnames that successfully transitioned into a popular given name in the United States.