Drake

♂ Boy

Pronounced DRAYK /dreɪk/High

Meaning: From Old English draca and Old Norse dreki, meaning 'dragon' or 'serpent'; also the standard English word for a male duck, derived from the same Germanic root via Middle Low GermanHigh

In 30 seconds: Drake is a bold one-syllable name from Old English and Old Norse meaning dragon or serpent. Its powerful, ancient sound combined with the fame of rapper Drake has given this name striking modern currency.

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Origin HighOld English, Old Norse

MeaningFrom Old English draca and Old Norse dreki, meaning 'dragon' or 'serpent'; also the standard English word for a male duck, derived from the same Germanic root via Middle Low German

U.S. rank (2025)#827 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births299 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2010

Total births (all-time)≈ 36,788

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Drake derives from Old English draca and Old Norse dreki, both meaning 'dragon' or 'serpent' — cognates of the Latin draco (serpent, dragon). In English it also became the word for a male duck, through Middle Low German influence. As a surname, Drake was borne by mariners and explorers, most famously Sir Francis Drake whose circumnavigation of the globe (1577–80) made him a national hero.

Drake has been used as a given name in the United States since the 19th century, drawing on the surname tradition. Its use accelerated dramatically in the 21st century, largely due to the international fame of Canadian rapper Drake (born Aubrey Drake Graham, 1986), who made the name synonymous with contemporary hip-hop culture while preserving its old-world strength.

Did you know? Sir Francis Drake, the Elizabethan navigator who became the second person to circumnavigate the globe (1577–1580) and later helped defeat the Spanish Armada, bears a surname that literally means dragon — fitting for a man of fearsome maritime reputation.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Drake — Old English and Old Norse etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DracoDraken

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Sir Francis Drake (1540–1596)
English navigator and privateer who became the second person to circumnavigate the globe and played a key role in defeating the Spanish Armada.
★Drake (1986–present)
Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter born Aubrey Drake Graham, one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

If you like Drake…

Blaze— same fiery, powerful one-syllable name with strong visual imagery

Axel— shares the hard consonant-heavy, strong masculine energy

Rex— fellow single-syllable Latin-rooted name meaning power and strength

Jace— same crisp contemporary one-syllable name with popular culture appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Drake mean?

Drake comes from Old English and Old Norse meaning dragon or serpent, and is also the English word for a male duck.

How do you pronounce Drake?

It is said DRAYK, one syllable.

Is Drake a popular name?

Drake has grown significantly in popularity in the U.S. in the 21st century, boosted by the fame of the Canadian rapper Drake.

Is Drake a surname or first name?

Drake originated as an Old English surname but is now widely used as a given name.