LAKE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Lake

The surname Lake is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "lacu," meaning a stream or watercourse. It is a topographical surname given to someone who lived near a lake or lake-like feature, indicating their residence in such proximity.

The earliest recorded instance of the Lake surname dates back to the 12th century in Essex, England, where a family adopted it as a hereditary last name. Over time, the name spread to other parts of England, and variations such as Lakin and Lakin-Smith emerged.

The name Lake has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including poets, authors, and scholars. One prominent figure with the surname Lake is Edward Lake, an 18th-century English cleric and writer.

Today, the Lake surname remains relatively common in England and has also been adopted by families in other English-speaking countries. It continues to signify a connection to water features or simply serves as a family name passed down through generations.

There are approximately 12,575 people named Lake in the UK. That makes it the 717th most common surname in Britain. Around 193 in a million people in Britain are named Lake.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
Christopher
David
John
Michael
Paul
Peter
Richard
Robert
Stephen

Female

Amanda
Christine
Elizabeth
Emma
Janet
Jennifer
Linda
Margaret
Patricia
Sarah
Sharon
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.