Lake
/LAYK/
Lake is an English baby name pronounced /LAYK/. A name referring to a body of water or one who lives near a lake.
Meaning of Lake
A name referring to a body of water or one who lives near a lake.
Derived from the Middle English word 'lake' and the Old English 'lacu', which originally signified a stream or pool. It evolved from the Latin 'lacus', denoting a basin or lake. While traditionally used as a topographical surname for families residing near water, it transitioned into a given name in the late 20th century.
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- /LAYK/
Cultural background
The name is primarily used in English-speaking countries, particularly in North America, as part of a trend toward nature-inspired and gender-neutral names.
Variations & nicknames
- Laike
- Layke
- Laken
- Lach
- Lakely
Famous people named Lake
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Lake Bell
American actress, director, and screenwriter known for 'It's Complicated' and 'In a World...'
Film · 21st Century
Lakeith Stanfield
American actor and musician often credited as Lakeith or LaKeith
Film · 21st Century
Lake Speed
Former NASCAR driver and 1978 World Karting Champion
Sport · 20th Century
Lake Pierce
American child actor known for voice work and television roles
Film · 21st Century
Frequently asked about Lake
- Is Lake a gender-neutral name?
- Yes, Lake is considered a unisex name and is used for both boys and girls.
- What is the origin of the name Lake?
- It is an English topographical name of Latin origin, referring to a body of water.
- Is Lake a common first name?
- It is considered a unique nature name and is less common than other water-themed names like Brooke or River.
Love Lake? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh English names each week — free, no spam.
Compare Lake with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
More English names
See all English names- Marley/MAHR-lee/
The name literally refers to a pleasant meadow or a clearing by a lake.
- Reef/REEF/
A ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea.
- Wright/RITE/
A worker or shaper, representing the passion to craft one's life according to God’s holy design.
- Ash/ASH/
Refers to the ash tree or the residue left after a fire.
- Story/STOR-ee/
This name literally refers to a narrative or a tale told through words or images.
- Hollis/HAHL-iss/
The name means 'dweller at the holly trees'.
- Gray/GRAY/
A gentle color name referring to the hue between black and white.
- West/WEST/
The name translates literally to the cardinal direction where the sun sets.