"dark one, black"
Origin: Old English blaec
Language: English
Blake
Pronunciation: [ bl-AYK ]
Boy Name
#265 Most Popular
Steady
1 Syllable
A poet's name with opposite meanings — light and dark in one
English
American
Modern
Bold
Strong
Minimalist
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"fair, pale, bright"
Origin: Old English blac
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Blake has shifted significantly toward girls in the US — male Blakes increasingly need to clarify gender
The Story of Blake
Blake is an Old English surname with a fascinating paradox: it derives from either the Old English 'blac' (pale, fair, bright) or 'blaec' (dark, black) — two opposite meanings from two different roots. It was used as a surname for people distinguished by their notably fair or notably dark coloring. William Blake, the visionary Romantic poet and artist, is its most famous historical bearer.
Blake has been used for boys throughout the 20th century but began crossing to girls in the 2000s. Blake Lively's fame accelerated the feminization, though the name remains used for both. For boys, it peaked in the early 2000s and is now holding steady, particularly in the US South and Midwest.
William Blake (1757-1827) gave this name its deepest cultural resonance — one of England's most visionary poets and artists, creator of works like The Tyger and Songs of Innocence and Experience. His mystical, prophetic vision set the template for the Romantic movement. For literary-minded parents, Blake carries this immense creative legacy.
Fun Facts
- Blake derives from two opposite Old English words — one meaning bright/fair, one meaning dark/black
- William Blake (1757-1827) wrote 'The Tyger' and created a unique mythology spanning over 100 works
- Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds named their daughters James, Inez, Betty, and Olin — not Blake
Blake in Other Languages
French
Blake
German
Blake
English
Blake
Spanish
Blake
Australian
Blake
Famous People Named Blake
B
B
W
William Blake
Writer
1757
English Romantic poet and artist known for Songs of Innocence and Experience and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #265
- Total SSA Count
- 1,311
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Bla
Bly
Blaie
Pairs Well With
Blake James
Blake Thomas
Blake Michael
Blake Alexander
Blake Andrew
Blake Richard
Blake William
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Blake is also used as a girl name, ranked #210.
View Blake as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blake
What does the name Blake mean?
"dark one, black" (from Old English blaec). "fair, pale, bright" (from Old English blac). Blake is an Old English surname with a fascinating paradox: it derives from either the Old English 'blac' (pale, fair, bright) or 'blaec' (dark, black) — two opposite meanings from two different roots. It was used as a surname for people distinguished by their notably fair or notably dark coloring. William Blake, the visionary Romantic poet and artist, is its most famous historical bearer.
What is the origin of the name Blake?
Blake has Old English blaec, Old English blac, English, and American origins. In Old English blaec, it means "dark one, black". In Old English blac, it means "fair, pale, bright".
Is Blake a boy or girl name?
Blake is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #265. As a girl name, it is ranked #210. Blake is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Blake?
Blake is pronounced bl-AYK.
How popular is the name Blake?
Blake is currently ranked #265 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Blake?
Common nicknames for Blake include Bla, Bly, and Blaie.
What are good middle names for Blake?
Popular middle name pairings include Blake James, Blake Thomas, Blake Michael, Blake Alexander, Blake Andrew, Blake Richard, and Blake William.
What are good sibling names for Blake?
Names that pair well with Blake as siblings include Chase, Cole, Grant, Drew, Grayson, Logan, and Quinn.
How many syllables does Blake have?
Blake has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Blake a common or rare name?
Blake is a popular name, ranked #265 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Blake
Blake is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "dark one, black" in Old English blaec .
Is Blake a boy or girl name? Blake is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #265 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #210. Blake is more commonly used as a girl name.
Blake is currently ranked #265 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Blake has 1 syllable and is pronounced bl-AYK, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Blake include Bla, Bly, and Blaie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.