Layken is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It is derived from the surname Layken, which is believed to have originated from the Old English word "læcen", meaning "leaden". However, it is important to note that the connection between the name Layken and the word "leaden" is not widely accepted by all sources.
The name Layken is considered to be of modern coinage, as it was not recorded in any historical documents or baby naming guides prior to the late 20th century. It is thought to have been created as a feminine form of the surname Layken, which has been used as a given name for boys since the medieval period.
The name Layken gained popularity in the United States during the late 1980s and early 1990s, but it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names. It is not ranked among the top 1000 most popular names for girls in the US according to recent Social Security data.
Despite its unconventional origin, Layken has been embraced by many parents who are drawn to its unique sound and spelling. Some popular variations of the name include Laykenne, Laykenna, and Laykennah. Ultimately, the meaning and history of the name Layken may continue to evolve as it gains further recognition and usage around the world.
In summary, Layken is a distinctive female given name of American origin that was created as a feminine form of the surname Layken. While its etymology is not widely agreed upon, it has gained popularity in recent decades despite remaining relatively uncommon compared to other names.
The name Layken has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. Between 1988 and 2023, there have been a total of 1106 births registered with the name Layken.
While the name saw only single-digit occurrences from 1988 to 1995, it started gaining traction in the late '90s. The year 2007 marked a turning point with 31 births, indicating that more parents were choosing this unique name for their children. This trend continued into the new millennium, with Layken consistently ranking among the top names given to newborns each year.
The highest number of Layken births recorded in any single year was in 2021, with a total of 73 newborn girls receiving this name. This significant jump from previous years suggests that Layken has firmly established itself as a popular choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet attractive option for their daughters' names.
Overall, the statistics demonstrate a steady growth and enduring popularity of the name Layken in the United States over time. Despite fluctuations in its rankings among other baby names each year, it remains a distinctive and well-loved choice for new parents.