Back to Baby Names

Oakes

Pronunciation: [ OHKS ]

Boy Name #3,027 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

A mighty nature name rooted in the ancient oak

American English
Earthy Strong Unique Minimalist Bold

Meaning & Origin

"dweller near the oak trees"
Origin: Old English
Language: English

The Story of Oakes

Oakes is an English occupational/topographical surname that originated as a name for someone who lived near oak trees, from Old English 'āc' (oak). The 's' ending indicates plurality (the oaks) as in medieval English place-name convention. As a given name, Oakes follows the trend of nature-connected English surnames used as distinctive first names, joining Brooks, Rivers, Hayes, and Holt.

Oakes is a rare but rising name, benefiting from the sustained trend toward strong, nature-connected, one-syllable surnames as given names. Oak trees hold profound cultural significance as symbols of endurance in English and American culture, and actor Oakes Fegley has given the name modern, youthful visibility.

The oak tree holds extraordinary significance in English and Celtic tradition — it was sacred to the Druids, is England's national tree, and symbolizes strength, longevity, and wisdom. British naval ships were built from English oak, the Royal Oak is one of the most iconic pub names in Britain, and the oak appears on numerous heraldic coats of arms.

Fun Facts

  • The oak tree is England's national tree and was sacred to the Celtic Druids who held ceremonies in oak groves called 'nemeton'
  • HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, was built from approximately 6,000 oak trees
  • Actor Oakes Fegley appeared in the films Pete's Dragon (2016) and Wonderstruck (2017)

Oakes in Other Languages

Irish Dair
Latin Quercus
Welsh Derwen
French Chêne
German Eiche

Famous People Named Oakes

O

Oakes Fegley

Actor

2004

American child actor known for his roles in Pete's Dragon (2016) and Todd Haynes' Wonderstruck (2017)

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
1
Popularity Rank
#3,027
Total SSA Count
41
Cultural Origins
American English
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Common Nicknames

Oak

Pairs Well With

Oakes James Oakes River Oakes Stone Oakes Reed Oakes Cole Oakes Grant Oakes Blaine

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Oakes and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Oakes sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more boy names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Oakes

What does the name Oakes mean?
"dweller near the oak trees" (from Old English). Oakes is an English occupational/topographical surname that originated as a name for someone who lived near oak trees, from Old English 'āc' (oak). The 's' ending indicates plurality (the oaks) as in medieval English place-name convention. As a given name, Oakes follows the trend of nature-connected English surnames used as distinctive first names, joining Brooks, Rivers, Hayes, and Holt.
What is the origin of the name Oakes?
Oakes has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "dweller near the oak trees".
Is Oakes a boy or girl name?
Oakes is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Oakes?
Oakes is pronounced OHKS.
How popular is the name Oakes?
Oakes is currently ranked #3027 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Oakes?
Common nicknames for Oakes include Oak.
What are good middle names for Oakes?
Popular middle name pairings include Oakes James, Oakes River, Oakes Stone, Oakes Reed, Oakes Cole, Oakes Grant, and Oakes Blaine.
What are good sibling names for Oakes?
Names that pair well with Oakes as siblings include Ash, Elm, Birch, Sage, Wren, Cedar, and Rowan.
How many syllables does Oakes have?
Oakes has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Oakes a common or rare name?
Oakes is an uncommon name, ranked #3027 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Oakes

Oakes is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "dweller near the oak trees" in Old English .

Oakes is currently ranked #3,027 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Oakes has 1 syllable and is pronounced OHKS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Oakes include Oak. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Explore Name Lists