"lake, body of still water"
Origin: Old English/Latin
Language: English
Lake
Pronunciation: [ l-AYK ]
Does Lake flow with your last name?
A still, reflective nature name with quiet strength
American
English
Earthy
Minimalist
Modern
Unique
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Lake
Lake comes from the Old English 'lacu' and Old French 'lac,' ultimately from Latin 'lacus' meaning pool, hollow, or lake. As a given name, Lake belongs to the nature-name movement that has brought words like River, Ocean, and Sage into use as first names. The name evokes the serenity, depth, and reflective beauty of a still body of water, suggesting a calm, contemplative personality.
Lake as a given name has been slowly gaining traction since the 2010s alongside other nature-themed names. It benefits from the one-syllable trend in naming (Wren, Jett, Blake, Quinn) and the growing popularity of unisex nature names. Its use for girls represents the broader category of names that feel fresh and unexpected while being immediately pronounceable.
Lakes hold special significance in many cultures — as sources of sustenance, spiritual reflection, and natural beauty. In Native American cultures, lakes are often sacred spaces. Literary lakes from Walden Pond to the Lake District have inspired writers, poets, and philosophers for centuries. For a girl, Lake suggests depth, tranquility, and natural beauty.
Historical Record
Lake first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 767 babies have been named Lake in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lake is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,037 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- There are approximately 117 million lakes on Earth covering about 3.7% of Earth's land surface
- Walden Pond, made famous by Henry David Thoreau's 1854 book, helped inspire generations of nature writers
- Lake is a surname of many celebrities, including Ricki Lake, which may have helped normalize it as a first name
Lake in Other Languages
French
Lac
German
See
Italian
Lago
Spanish
Lago
Japanese
湖 (Mizuumi)
Popularity Over Time
#4,037
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lake
L
Lake Bell
Actor
1979
American actress, writer and director known for In a World and No Strings Attached
R
Ricki Lake
Entertainer
1968
American actress and talk show host known for Hairspray and The Ricki Lake Show
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Compare Lake with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #4,037
- Total SSA Count
- 36
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lake
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lake is also used as a boy name, ranked #1633.
View Lake as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (American)
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Italian origin
"city of mosaics"
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Analeigha
Girl
Hebrew (Ana component) origin
"grace, favor"
#3,949 in US
Adalind
Girl
Old High German (lind = gentle) origin
"noble and soft/gentle"
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Old French via Latin origin
"faithful, devoted"
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Scottish Gaelic alternative origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake
What does the name Lake mean?
"lake, body of still water" (from Old English/Latin). Lake comes from the Old English 'lacu' and Old French 'lac,' ultimately from Latin 'lacus' meaning pool, hollow, or lake. As a given name, Lake belongs to the nature-name movement that has brought words like River, Ocean, and Sage into use as first names. The name evokes the serenity, depth, and reflective beauty of a still body of water, suggesting a calm, contemplative personality.
What is the origin of the name Lake?
Lake has Old English/Latin, American, and English origins. In Old English/Latin, it means "lake, body of still water".
Is Lake a boy or girl name?
Lake is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4037. As a boy name, it is ranked #1633. Lake is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Lake?
Lake is pronounced l-AYK.
How popular is the name Lake?
Lake is currently ranked #4037 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Lake?
Popular middle name pairings include Lake Marie, Lake Grace, Lake Ann, Lake Elizabeth, Lake Christine, Lake Elise, and Lake Renee.
What are good sibling names for Lake?
Names that pair well with Lake as siblings include River, Brooks, Stone, Forest, Juniper, Sage, and Bay.
How many syllables does Lake have?
Lake has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lake a common or rare name?
Lake is an uncommon name, ranked #4037 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Lake?
About the Name Lake
Lake is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "lake, body of still water" in Old English/Latin .
Is Lake a boy or girl name? Lake is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,037 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,633. Lake is more commonly used as a boy name.
Lake is currently ranked #4,037 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lake has 1 syllable and is pronounced l-AYK, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Lake include Lakelynn, Lakelyn, Laken, Lakyn, Lakely . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis