“Dark, fair”
Ranked #210 for boys born in 2020
1,797 U.S. births that year
That is about 1 in every 950 boys in the SSA's 2020 file — 10.5 per 10,000 — out of 13,911 boys' names recorded that year.
Rank derived from U.S. Social Security Administration national birth-name counts for 2020, the most recent year we have imported.
Used for both. In 2020 the SSA recorded 1,316 girls and 1,797 boys named Blake.
42% girls / 58% boys — more often a boys' name, but genuinely shared.
See more gender-neutral names →Love Blake? Tap a card to discover names with the same meaning or origin.
Straight from the U.S. Social Security Administration's 2020 birth-name file.
The names immediately above and below Blake on the 2020 boys' list — about as popular as Blake, so they suit the same taste:
If you like Blake, you may also love these names with a similar sound, style, or feel:
Dragon
Light-giving
One who walks
Beehive, bee cottage
Dark, fair
Priest's town
Small stream
Path, roadway
Wished for child
Harp player
Stone worker
Son of Jack
Ruler of elves
Red, scarlet
God is gracious
Son of Maud
These names share similar meaning themes with Blake (“Dark, fair”):
Explore the most popular baby names that start with the letter B:
Blake is a boy name of English origin that carries the beautiful meaning "Dark, fair." The name belongs to the Indo-European (Germanic branch) language family and has roots in England, the United Kingdom, the United States, the broader Anglophone world. English names draw from a remarkably diverse set of sources: Anglo-Saxon, Norman French, Celtic, Latin, and Greek influences have all shaped the English naming tradition. Occupational surnames becoming first names is a distinctly English trend.
The history of Blake is deeply intertwined with the broader story of English naming traditions. The English naming tradition reflects the island's complex history of invasion and cultural blending. Anglo-Saxon names gave way to Norman French names after 1066, then Puritan virtue names appeared in the 16th century, and surname-to-first-name conversions became popular in the 19th century. Names like Blake, with their concise, single-syllable structure, have long been favored for their directness and memorability. The meaning "Dark, fair" reflects values that have resonated with parents across the medieval period through the present, with different styles dominating different centuries.
In contemporary naming, Blake represents a stylish choice with growing appeal that bridges tradition and modernity. English naming customs include naming after monarchs (Elizabeth, George), literary characters (Wendy from Peter Pan), and occupational surnames (Cooper, Mason, Harper). The tradition values both heritage and innovation. The name's meaning of "Dark, fair" continues to resonate with modern parents who want a name that carries depth and purpose. The Protestant Reformation in England shifted naming preferences from saints' names toward Old Testament and virtue names, a pattern still visible in naming trends today.
Parents who choose Blake are often drawn to its English heritage and the aspirational quality of its meaning. The name's short, punchy sound makes it easy to call across a playground and memorable in professional settings alike. Whether you have a personal connection to English culture, appreciate the meaning "Dark, fair," or simply love the way Blake sounds, this name offers a rich tapestry of history and significance for your son. It is the kind of name that grows with a child — suitable for a playful toddler, a confident teenager, and a successful adult alike.
At position #210 in the U.S. popularity charts, Blake is popular enough to be familiar but uncommon enough to feel distinctive. Names in this range often represent the best of both worlds: your child will not constantly need to add a last initial to differentiate themselves, yet the name is established enough that it won't cause confusion or constant mispronunciation. Many names at this ranking level are on an upward trend, suggesting Blake may climb even higher in coming years.
The broader context of English names helps explain Blake's trajectory. Over the past several decades, there has been growing curiosity about names from English traditions. This trend reflects a broader cultural appreciation for names with deep roots and meaningful origins. Blake fits perfectly into this pattern, offering parents a name that feels both timeless and fresh.
Looking at regional trends, Blake tends to be a favorite in the Northeast, though it is used by families across all fifty states. Internationally, English names like Blake have found audiences in the United Kingdom and Australia, reflecting the global nature of modern naming trends.
Parents often ask what a name "says" about a child. Honestly: nothing. Blake means "Dark, fair" and comes from English origin, and that meaning is the part worth knowing — it is what the name has carried historically, not a prediction about the person who receives it.
From a numerology perspective, Blake carries the expression number 4, known as "The Builder." Number 4 represents stability, hard work, and practicality. Those with this number create solid foundations in everything they do. People with this expression number are said to value reliability, discipline, and methodical planning. Their primary growth area involves embracing flexibility and avoiding excessive rigidity. While numerology is not a science, many parents find these associations meaningful when choosing a name that aligns with their hopes for their child.
Choosing a name is personal, and most families weigh sound, family history and meaning together. If the meaning "Dark, fair" matters to you, that is as good a reason as any.
When pairing a middle name with Blake, the key is to consider syllable flow, style harmony, and personal significance. Since Blake has 1 syllable, middle names with two or three syllables tend to create the most pleasing rhythm. The combination should flow naturally when said aloud — try saying the full name (first, middle, and last) several times to test how it feels.
Classic middle name pairings for Blake include Blake Patrick, Blake Benjamin, Blake Andrew, Blake Joseph. These traditional choices complement Blake's English character with timeless elegance. For a more contemporary feel, consider Blake Ellis or Blake Hayes or Blake Asher. These pairings blend Blake's traditional roots with a fresh, modern sensibility.
For sibling names, Blake pairs beautifully with names that share its English heritage or complement its style. Strong sibling combinations include Blake and Nora, Blake and Willow, Blake and Ava. When choosing sibling names, consider matching the general style (classic, modern, nature-inspired) while ensuring each child's name is distinct enough to stand on its own. Names that start with different letters and have different numbers of syllables often create the most harmonious sibling sets. Other complementary siblings include Hazel and Chloe.
Blake has traveled across cultures and languages, taking on different forms along the way. In Scottish tradition, you might encounter variations that preserve the core sound while adapting to local pronunciation patterns. Irish and Australian versions of the name each bring their own cultural flavor while maintaining the essential meaning of "Dark, fair."
Common nicknames and shortened forms of Blake include Bla, Bke, and playful diminutives that family members naturally develop. While Blake is already a concise name, creative nicknames often emerge naturally within families.
The diversity of forms that Blake takes across cultures is a testament to its universal appeal. Whether you prefer the traditional spelling or a creative variation, the name's core identity and meaning remain beautifully intact. Some parents choose an international variant to honor a specific cultural connection, while others prefer the standard spelling for its familiarity and ease of use.
Blake is a boy name of English origin meaning "Dark, fair." This meaning has deep roots in English culture and tradition, where it is associated with timeless values that transcend cultural boundaries. The name's meaning reflects the importance placed on meaningful values and positive attributes in the English naming tradition.
Yes, Blake is ranked #210 for boy names born in 2020 in the United States, based on Social Security Administration birth-name counts for that year. It offers a distinctive choice for parents who want a name that is established but not extremely common. The name's popularity reflects its appealing sound, meaningful origin, and positive associations.
Great middle names for Blake include classic choices like Patrick, Benjamin, Andrew and more modern options like Ellis or Hayes. When choosing a middle name, consider how the full name sounds when said aloud. Since Blake has 1 syllable, middle names with two or three syllables tend to flow best. Also consider the initials the combination creates to avoid any unintended acronyms.
Popular nicknames for Blake include Bla, Bke, and various playful forms that family and friends often create naturally. The name's 1 syllables provide several natural shortening points. Many parents appreciate that Blake works well both in its full form for formal occasions and in its shortened forms for everyday use.
Blake is of English origin, belonging to the Indo-European (Germanic branch) language family. The name has historical roots in England and the United Kingdom and carries the meaning "Dark, fair." The English naming tradition reflects the island's complex history of invasion and cultural blending. Today, Blake is used by families around the world, transcending its original cultural boundaries while maintaining its essential character and meaning.
Blake is traditionally a boy name. While modern naming conventions are increasingly flexible, Blake has historically been associated with boys and continues to be predominantly used for boys today. The name's meaning of "Dark, fair" and its English heritage both contribute to its traditional gender association. That said, the most important factor in choosing a name is that it resonates with you and your family.
Blake is pronounced as it appears: B-L-A-K-E. The name has 3 syllables.
Find the perfect sibling name to pair with Blake. We have curated 50+ suggestions based on origin, style, sound patterns, and popularity to help you create the ideal sibling combination.
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