Declining since 2011, #827 for boys today.
Popularity of Drake since 1918
Babies named Drake per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 11 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 192 |
| 1950s | 399 |
| 1960s | 587 |
| 1970s | 366 |
| 1980s | 1,178 |
| 1990s | 7,440 |
| 2000s | 13,531 |
| 2010s | 10,493 |
| 2020s | 2,578 |
Meaning & origin
Drake is an English name with two distinct etymological roots: the Old English 'draca' for 'dragon' and the Middle English 'drake' for 'male duck'. Despite its dual meanings, the name carries a strong, modern sound that propelled it to peak popularity in 2010, when it ranked highest in use. Since 2011, its trajectory has been falling, but it remained in the top 1000 as of 2025, with a current rank of 827 and a rate of 1 in 5713 newborns. Historically, Drake first appeared on U.S. naming records in 1918, but its recent surge is closely tied to the rise of the musician Drake. The name is most common in states like Iowa, Arkansas, and Louisiana, where it enjoys regional favor. Drake's straightforward spelling and one-syllable pronunciation make it a concise, distinctive choice that bridges old-world charm and contemporary culture.
Drake derives from Old English 'draca' meaning 'dragon' and from Middle English 'drake' meaning 'male duck'. As a given name, it emerged in the late 19th century, possibly influenced by the surname Drake, borne by the Elizabethan explorer Sir Francis Drake. The name saw a surge in popularity in the 2000s and 2010s, likely due to the Canadian rapper Drake.
Where Drake is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Drake
Names that share Drake's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Drake
Names whose popularity has moved with Drake's over the last 50 years.
