Blake is a unisex given name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "blæc," which means "black" or "dark." The name Blake can also be considered as an occupational surname, originally given to people who worked with wool, as it comes from the Middle English word "blaken," meaning "to shear" or "to cut."
The name Blake has a rich history and is associated with several notable figures throughout literature and art. One of the most famous Blakes was the Romantic poet William Blake (1757-1827), who is best known for his collection of poems called "Songs of Innocence and Experience." His work is celebrated for its exploration of themes such as religion, politics, and imagination.
In addition to the literary figure, there have been other notable individuals named Blake throughout history. These include the American actor Blake Lively (born 1987), the Australian singer-songwriter Blake Lewis (born 1983), and the British musician and singer Blake (born 1972).
Today, the name Blake continues to be popular for both boys and girls, ranking among the top 500 names in several English-speaking countries. Its unisex appeal adds to its versatility, making it a suitable choice for parents seeking a unique yet familiar name for their child. Despite its darker meaning, the name Blake is often associated with positive connotations due to its prominent bearers and timeless sound.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Blake has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
In the early years of the dataset (1951-1976), the number of births with the name Blake ranged from 5 to 25 per year. However, starting in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Blake, with the number of births ranging from 34 to 148 per year.
The trend of increasing popularity continued into the 1990s and 2000s, with over 162 births recorded in every year between 2000 and 2010. The highest point of popularity for the name Blake occurred in recent years, with a total of 1501 births recorded in 2021 and 1447 births in 2022.
Overall, from 1951 to 2023, there have been a total of 17,559 births with the name Blake in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name Blake may not have always been incredibly popular, it has certainly gained traction over time and is now one of the more common names given to newborns in the U.S.