The name Lake has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "lacu," which means a body of standing water. This name's history can be traced back to the 5th century AD, when the Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain and brought their language with them.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lake can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as a surname, indicating that it was likely used as a descriptive identifier for someone who lived near a lake or worked on a lake.

In the Middle Ages, the name Lake was primarily associated with bodies of water and their significance in everyday life. Lakes were important sources of food, water, and transportation, and the name likely held a practical and symbolic meaning for those who bore it.

The earliest known person with the first name Lake was Lake Vaux, an English landowner and politician who lived in the 15th century. He was a member of the House of Commons and served as the Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1444.

Another notable figure with the name Lake was Sir Thomas Lake, an English scholar, and statesman who lived from 1567 to 1630. He served as the Secretary of State for King James I and was a prominent figure in the English court.

In the 17th century, Lake Gibbons was an English actor and playwright who was a member of the King's Men, one of the most famous acting companies in London during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.

In the 19th century, Lake Price was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 21st Governor of Missouri from 1853 to 1857. He played a pivotal role in the state's response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the issue of slavery.

More recently, Lake Bell is an American actress, writer, and director who has appeared in various films and television shows. She was born in 1979 and is known for her work in projects such as "Boston Legal," "What Happens in Vegas," and "Childrens Hospital."

While the name Lake was once more closely tied to its literal meaning, it has evolved over time to become a unique and distinctive name in its own right, carrying with it a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.