The name Lane originates from the Old English word "lane", which means a narrow path or road between hedges or fences. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "lanu", which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word "lainon".

The name Lane has been in use since at least the 13th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as a surname. However, over time, it became increasingly common as a given name as well.

In the Middle Ages, the name Lane was often used as a topographic surname, given to people who lived near a lane or a narrow road. It was particularly common in rural areas of England, where lanes and narrow paths were a common feature of the landscape.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Lane was Sir Ralph de la Lane, a 13th-century English knight who fought in the Barons' War against King Henry III. Another notable figure was Sir Thomas Lane (c. 1520-1593), an English merchant and adventurer who played a key role in the early colonization of Virginia.

In the 17th century, the name Lane gained prominence in the American colonies. One of the most well-known individuals with this name was Samuel Lane (1718-1806), a Virginia planter and politician who served in the Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War.

Over the centuries, the name Lane has been carried by many notable figures across various fields. These include the American poet John Lane (1854-1925), the British publisher Arbuthnot Lane (1878-1943), and the Australian politician David Lane (1935-2017).

Other famous individuals named Lane include the American football player Larry Lane (1940-2019), the British actor Nathan Lane (born 1956), and the American actress Diane Lane (born 1965). These individuals have helped to keep the name Lane in the public consciousness and contributed to its enduring popularity.