Holding steady, #987 for girls today.
Popularity of Laken since 1984
Babies named Laken per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 593 | 0 |
| 1990s | 1,963 | 114 |
| 2000s | 1,249 | 434 |
| 2010s | 1,311 | 932 |
| 2020s | 1,124 | 779 |
Meaning & origin
Laken is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1984 and has been growing in usage ever since. Currently ranked 987th (as of 2025), it is given to approximately 1 in 6,278 newborns, showing a steady increase in popularity. Its peak year so far is 2025, indicating that it is still on the rise. The name is most popular in states like North Dakota, Kansas, and Alabama. Laken is primarily a feminine name but is also used for boys, making it a flexible choice for parents seeking a contemporary, nature-inspired name. It fits well with modern surname-style names and shares phonetic similarities with names like Lakyn and Laiken.
Laken is a modern coinage, possibly derived from the English surname Laken (which itself may come from a place name or the Old English 'lacu' meaning lake). It gained popularity in the United States starting in the late 20th century, first recorded in 1984. The name is often used as a feminine variant of Lake or Lakyn, following the trend of surname-style names ending in '-en' or '-yn'. Laken has seen steady usage, particularly in the 2020s, and is more common among girls but used for both sexes.
Where Laken is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lake, Kenny
Sibling names for Laken
Names that share Laken's style, for a brother or sister.
