Drake is a name of English origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It means "snake" or "dragon," which are both powerful and respected creatures in many cultures. The name Drake also has historical significance, as it was the surname of Sir Francis Drake, an English sea captain and explorer who circled the globe in the 16th century.
The use of Drake as a given name is relatively recent, but it has been embraced by parents looking for strong, unique names for their children. It has been used by both boys and girls, although it is more commonly associated with males. The name Drake has a modern sound to it while still being rooted in history and tradition.
In pop culture, the most famous Drake is probably the Canadian rapper and actor Aubrey Drake Graham, who goes by the stage name Drake. However, this has not been the only factor contributing to the popularity of the name Drake. Parents have been drawn to its unique sound, powerful meaning, and historical significance for decades before Drake the rapper gained fame.
Overall, Drake is a name that combines strength and uniqueness with historical roots and a modern feel. Its meaning as a snake or dragon gives it an air of power and mystery, while its association with Sir Francis Drake adds a touch of adventure and exploration. Whether you're looking for a name with deep roots in history or one that sounds fresh and contemporary, Drake is a strong choice.
The name Drake has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early years of the 20th century, there were only a handful of babies named Drake each year, with five births recorded in both 1918 and 1929.
However, starting from the late 1940s, the popularity of the name began to rise steadily. In 1946, there were 28 births, and this number more than doubled by 1958, with 50 babies named Drake that year. This upward trend continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, reaching a peak of 66 births in 1982.
The real surge in popularity came in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a significant increase in the number of babies named Drake. In 1988, there were 228 births, and this figure more than tripled by 1994, reaching an all-time high of 725 births that year.
Although the popularity of the name began to decline slightly after the mid-1990s, Drake remained a popular choice for parents. Between 1995 and 2010, there were consistently over 800 babies named Drake each year in the United States.
More recently, the popularity of the name has continued to fluctuate but remains relatively stable. In 2022, there were 394 births recorded for the name Drake, indicating that it is still a popular choice for parents today.
In total, over the past century, there have been 36,066 babies named Drake in the United States, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this name.