Declining since 2004, #457 for boys today.
Popularity of Jake since 1880
Babies named Jake per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 972 |
| 1890s | 892 |
| 1900s | 989 |
| 1910s | 2,673 |
| 1920s | 3,022 |
| 1930s | 1,943 |
| 1940s | 1,800 |
| 1950s | 1,613 |
| 1960s | 1,387 |
| 1970s | 3,368 |
| 1980s | 11,282 |
| 1990s | 33,115 |
| 2000s | 39,844 |
| 2010s | 21,415 |
| 2020s | 5,007 |
Meaning & origin
Jake is a classic short form of Jacob that has stood on its own as a given name for generations. First recorded in the United States in 1880, it peaked in popularity in 2004 at rank 36, with over 8,000 births that year. Since then, its usage has been steadily falling, and by 2025 it dropped to rank 457, with roughly 1 in 2,505 baby boys receiving the name. Despite the decline, Jake remains a familiar and friendly choice, popular in states like New Jersey, Mississippi, and Connecticut. Its straightforward sound and strong biblical roots give it a durable appeal that parents continue to appreciate.
Jake originated as a medieval English diminutive of Jacob, itself derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, meaning 'supplanter' or 'he who follows'. Historically used as a nickname for Jacob, it became an independent given name in the 20th century, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom.
Where Jake 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.
“Jake” around the world
Where Jake lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
#95
in 2025
New Zealand
27
babies in 2025
Quebec
#56
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Jake
Names that share Jake's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Emma, Olivia, Ava, Sophia, Isabella, Jenna, Summer, Abbey, Danni, Gena, Jannie, Kacy, Kami, Kayley, Mimi, Tayla, Vina, Barbie, Becca, Buffy, Deisy, Hali, Jaci, Jolee, Josey, Kally, Kirra, Lexy, Stevi, Vanna, Cadee, Chelcie, Darbi, Hina, Jeena, Kadi, Kassy, Mell, Milli, Sydne, Calie, Cassi, Chara, Goldy, Jackee, Jind, Jordie, Kea, Kerah, Kesi, Madysin, Neytiri, Nicci, Reet, Savvy, Camy, Jozee, Angee, Bassy, Briea, Calah, Caly, Ishi, Jakenzie, Jakki, Jammi, Jesi, Jode, Jozy, Kaydie, Nini
Brothers: Liam, Noah, Ethan, Mason, Logan, Blake, Bryce, Chase, Trenton, Chaz, Dane, Dawson, Jordy, Rocky, Trace, Tre, Tripp, Tye, Arin, Chayse, Chazz, Dru, Joby, Johny, Odie, Pearce, Tobey, Cobi, Jac, Jedd, Joss, Kerby, Cane, Jabe, Jaise, Jayjay, Jep, Layke, Mak, Mikhi, Nik, Sony, Tyke, Vin, Hoss, Jams, Jaque, Kable, Tip, Toa, Zackrey
Names like Jake
Names whose popularity has moved with Jake's over the last 50 years.
