Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Blake

Blake originated as a surname in England derived from a nickname. The etymology of the name is totally contradictory. There are two Olde English words “blæc” meaning “black” and “blāc” meaning “white, pale.” Odd though it may seem, both words likely derive their meanings from the same Proto-Indo-European root *bhleg- "to burn, gleam, shine, flash" – hence, “burned” (dark) and “shine, flash” (light, colorless). In essence, the surname originated from two distinct nicknames that signified a person with hair or skin color that was either remarkably dark (as in the Celts) or extremely pale (as in the Anglo-Saxons). Eventually, the nicknames came together to form the same last name Blake. As English surnames started to develop in the 11th century (as a means of identification for the purposes of taxation), they were either created from a man’s occupation, the town in which he was born, a nickname, or one passed down from the father’s or mother’s personal name. Blake is an example of a surname derived from a nickname; one which first appeared in the 12th century rendered as “le Blake” in Devonshire. It was also an early surname in the New World in the 17th century, specifically in the settlement of Virginia. It’s unclear when Blake transferred into a masculine forename, but we do know it’s a reasonably popular one in Canada, Australia, the United States, England and Scotland. In America, we also use the name Blake for girls (but at a much lower rate).

All About the Baby Name – Blake

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME BLAKE

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME BLAKE

Blake hasn’t seen as much success as a baby girl’s name as it has for boys. Technically speaking, the name is unisex since it shows up on both the male and female Top 1000 lists – however, historic usage couldn’t be more different. As a masculine name, Blake has been around for most of the 20th century; for girls, Blake didn’t come to the party until the 1990s. And even still back then she was unsuccessful and couldn’t maintain a position better than #926 out of 1000. Finally Blake disappeared off the girl’s charts in 1998 and just when we think it’s safe to call Blake a boy’s name again, it abruptly reappeared on the female list in 2011 (clearly influenced by the popularity of actress Blake Lively). It remains to be seen if Lively’s star-power is strong enough to continue the fan-based mimicry of her name for years to come. We’ll have to wait and see. However, we will say this: Blake is cool name for a girl.

Quick Facts

ON BLAKE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

550

PRONUNCIATION:

BLAYK

SIMPLE MEANING:

Black and white

Characteristics

OF BLAKE

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Blake

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BLAKE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Blake

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BLAKE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Blake


Popular Songs

ON BLAKE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Blake


Famous People

NAMED BLAKE

Blake Lively (actress)
Blake Edwards (director)
Blake Shelton (country musician)
Blake Lively (actress)
Blake Edwards (director)
Blake Shelton (country musician)
Blake Lively (actress)
Blake Edwards (director)
Blake Shelton (country musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BLAKE

Rosie O'Donnell;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BLAKE

William Blake is most notable as one of the influential poets from the Romantic Era during 18th century Europe. It was mainly an artistic and intellectual movement that sought to revolt against the socio-political rules of the day controlled mainly by the aristocracy. Blake is best known for his collection of poems “Songs of Innocence” (1789) followed by “Songs of Experience” five years later. “Innocence” is drawn from the perspective of a young child and through the eyes of innocence and wonderment, while “Experience” contrasts the poems of “Innocence” as the child grows older and learns doubt and fear.

William Blake is most notable as one of the influential poets from the Romantic Era during 18th century Europe. It was mainly an artistic and intellectual movement that sought to revolt against the socio-political rules of the day controlled mainly by the aristocracy. Blake is best known for his collection of poems “Songs of Innocence” (1789) followed by “Songs of Experience” five years later. “Innocence” is drawn from the perspective of a young child and through the eyes of innocence and wonderment, while “Experience” contrasts the poems of “Innocence” as the child grows older and learns doubt and fear.

William Blake is most notable as one of the influential poets from the Romantic Era during 18th century Europe. It was mainly an artistic and intellectual movement that sought to revolt against the socio-political rules of the day controlled mainly by the aristocracy. Blake is best known for his collection of poems “Songs of Innocence” (1789) followed by “Songs of Experience” five years later. “Innocence” is drawn from the perspective of a young child and through the eyes of innocence and wonderment, while “Experience” contrasts the poems of “Innocence” as the child grows older and learns doubt and fear.