Blake is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "blæc," which means "black." This name was traditionally given to dark-haired children, as it was believed to bring good fortune.
The name Blake first appeared in the records during the Middle Ages and was initially used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the 20th century. It is still more commonly used as a boy's name, but it has also been given to girls in recent years.
Some famous people with the name Blake include the poet William Blake, who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and the actor Blake Lively, who was born in the late 20th century. Despite its English origins, the name Blake has also been used in other countries, including Australia and Canada.
Overall, Blake is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history that continues to be popular today. Its meaning adds an interesting layer of depth to the name, making it a great choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful.
The name Blake has been popular among parents in the United States since at least as far back as 1883, with a total of five recorded births that year. The popularity of the name varied over time, with some years seeing fewer than ten births and others seeing hundreds.
In the early to mid-20th century, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Blake each year. Between 1950 and 1970, the number of annual births with this name ranged from around 130 to nearly 600. The most popular decade for the name Blake was the 1980s, during which time over 23,000 babies were named Blake across the United States.
The peak year for the name Blake in terms of popularity was 1982, when there were 2,353 births with this name. After that point, the number of annual births with the name Blake began to decline steadily, reaching its lowest point since at least 1883 in recent years. In 2020 and 2021, there were fewer than 2,000 babies named Blake each year.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, the name Blake remains a common choice among parents in the United States, with over 184,000 recorded births since 1883. It is likely that the name will continue to be chosen for future generations of children as well.