Blake
Blake is a unisex name of English origin meaning “black, pale, dark.” It ranked #316 in the United States in 2025.
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how do you pronounce Blake?
BLAYK
where does the name Blake come from?
The derivation is uncertain. The surname may come from the Old English blac, dark, or blaac, pale, which gives the name its paradoxical black-or-pale sense, or from an anglicisation of the Irish Ó Bláthmaic.
From the Old English 'blac' or 'blaec,' paradoxically meaning both fair/pale and black/dark—reflecting two distinct Anglo-Saxon words. Originally a surname, Blake has been used as a given name since the 19th century. It was notably borne by the poet William Blake.
how popular is this name?
Blake has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 95 years since 1883, and fell outside it for 48. It peaked at #71 in 2012, and ranked #316 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #316 |
| 2024 | #265 |
| 2023 | #254 |
| 2022 | #228 |
| 2021 | #205 |
| 2020 | #209 |
| 2019 | #183 |
| 2018 | #158 |
| 2017 | #149 |
| 2016 | #127 |
| 2012 | #71 |
| 2010 | #87 |
| 2000 | #80 |
| 1990 | #91 |
| 1980 | #237 |
| 1970 | #353 |
| 1960 | #380 |
| 1950 | #595 |
| 1920 | #975 |
| 1890 | #994 |
| 1883 | #892 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Blake fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Blake?
- William Blake (poet and artist)
- Blake Shelton (country singer)
- Blake Lively (actress)
what names are similar to Blake?
what names go well with Blake?
Sibling names that share Blake's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Blake
What does the name Blake mean?
Blake means “black, pale, dark”.
What is the origin of the name Blake?
Blake comes from the English naming tradition.
How popular is the name Blake?
Blake ranked #316 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2012, at #71, and it has spent 95 years in the top 1,000 since 1883.
Is Blake a boy or girl name?
Blake is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Blake?
Blake is pronounced BLAYK, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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