Rising since 1995, #2,183 for boys today.
Popularity of Locke since 1916
Babies named Locke per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 12 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 16 |
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 23 |
| 2000s | 112 |
| 2010s | 500 |
| 2020s | 357 |
Meaning & origin
Locke is a distinctive surname name with a philosophical and literary pedigree. First recorded as a given name in 1916, it was exceptionally rare for most of the 20th century. Its popularity began rising in the mid 1990s, achieving its peak rank in 2016. In 2025, approximately 1 in 26,278 boys received the name, placing it at rank 2,183. Locke is most popular in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas. The name's concise, strong sound and its association with Enlightenment thinker John Locke contribute to its modern appeal among parents seeking an uncommon yet substantive choice.
Locke is a surname turned given name, likely of Old English origin. It may derive from 'locc' meaning 'lock of hair', possibly as a nickname for someone with a distinctive hairstyle, or from a topographic name for someone who lived near an enclosure (Old English 'loc'). As a given name, it gained modern use partly through the philosopher John Locke and the character John Locke from the television series Lost.
Where Locke is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Locke
Names that share Locke's style, for a brother or sister.
