Find out how popular the first name Drake has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Drake by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Drake is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Drake being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 394 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Drake.

The history of the first name Drake

The name Drake has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "draca," which means "dragon" or "serpent." This name likely emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, between the 5th and 11th centuries AD.

The name Drake is believed to have been initially used as a surname, referring to someone who was brave or had a fierce demeanor, akin to a dragon. It later transitioned into a given name, likely influenced by its association with strength and courage.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Drake can be found in the Domesday Book, a medieval census commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Drache" and "Draco," further emphasizing its connection to the word "dragon."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Drake. One of the most famous was Sir Francis Drake, an English sea captain, navigator, and explorer who lived from 1540 to 1596. He was renowned for his circumnavigation of the globe and his pivotal role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Another prominent figure was Sir Francis Drake's cousin, Sir Bernard Drake, a British naval officer who served during the 17th century. He played a significant role in the Second Anglo-Dutch War and the Raid on the Medway.

In literature, the name Drake appears in various works, including the epic poem "Beowulf," where a dragon is a central antagonist. This further reinforces the name's association with mythical creatures and strength.

Other notable individuals with the name Drake include Drake Relays founder John L. Griffith (1885-1944), an American track and field athlete, and Drake Samuel Bakker (1892-1964), a Canadian politician and lawyer.

The name Drake has also been used in various forms of media, such as movies, television shows, and video games, often associated with characters who possess bravery, determination, or a fierce persona.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Drake was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Drake, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!