Drake is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years due to its association with the Canadian rapper, actor, and singer Aubrey Drake Graham, who goes by the stage name Drake. However, the name Drake itself predates his fame and has a rich history behind it.
The name Drake comes from the Old English word "draca," which means dragon. This name was initially used as a surname, often given to people who were fiery or had red hair, reminiscent of a dragon's flames. Over time, Drake evolved from being a descriptive nickname to a given name in its own right.
The most notable historical figure named Drake is Sir Francis Drake, an English explorer and privateer known for his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580. He was also known for defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588, which significantly weakened Spain's power and influence.
In literature, Drake has been used as a character name in various works. For instance, it is the surname of the main protagonist in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, although this character is more commonly known by his first name, Jay.
Today, Drake continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and unique name for their child. Its association with dragons gives it a mythical and powerful connotation, while its historical significance adds to its appeal. Despite its recent popularity boost due to Aubrey "Drake" Graham, the name Drake has a long-standing history that precedes his fame, making it a timeless choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich background.
The name Drake experienced fluctuations in popularity from 1994 to 2020, with the highest years being 1997 and 2010 at 8 births each, and the lowest year being 2020 with only 5 births. The overall total of births for this name over these decades is 83.