The name Laken is believed to have originated from the Dutch language, where it is a variant spelling of the word "laken," which means "cloth" or "linen." This name likely emerged in the Middle Ages, during the height of the textile industry in the Netherlands and surrounding regions.

In its earliest recorded uses, the name Laken was likely a surname or occupational name given to individuals involved in the production or trade of linen or other fabrics. As surnames became more common and hereditary, some individuals may have adopted Laken as a given name.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Laken was Laken van Heemskerck, a Dutch sea captain and explorer who lived from around 1550 to 1604. He is notable for leading one of the earliest Dutch expeditions to the Arctic regions in search of a northern passage to Asia.

Another notable figure with the name Laken was Laken van Valkenburg, a 14th-century Dutch architect and sculptor. He was responsible for the design and construction of several notable Gothic churches and cathedrals in the Netherlands during the 14th century.

In the realm of literature, the name Laken appears in the works of the 17th-century Dutch poet and playwright, Joost van den Vondel. One of his works, "De Leeuwendalers," features a character named Laken, though the specific significance of the name in the context of the work is unclear.

Moving into more recent history, Laken van Rijn was a Dutch painter and artist who lived from 1889 to 1968. While not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, van Rijn's works are celebrated for their bold use of color and unique interpretations of traditional Dutch landscapes.

Finally, Laken Vos was a Dutch athlete and Olympic gold medalist in the sport of speed skating. Born in 1932, Vos won the gold medal in the 5,000-meter event at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

While the name Laken has its roots in the Dutch language and culture, it has since spread to other regions and languages, though its use remains relatively uncommon compared to more widespread given names.