Oak

♂ Boy

Pronounced OHK /oʊk/High

Meaning: The oak tree; from Old English ac (the oak, Quercus robur) — the most venerated tree in British, Celtic, Germanic, and Greek traditionsHigh

In 30 seconds: An Old English tree name for the mightiest of British trees — the oak, revered by Druids, sacred to Thor and Zeus, and the symbol of England's naval power. Simple, strong, and one-syllable, Oak is among the boldest tree names.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningThe oak tree; from Old English ac (the oak, Quercus robur) — the most venerated tree in British, Celtic, Germanic, and Greek traditions

U.S. rank (2024)#2429 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births57 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 588

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Oak comes from Old English ac (the oak tree, Quercus robur). The oak was the most culturally important tree in British and Northern European civilization — sacred to multiple pantheons, central to Druidic worship, and the literal material of England's navy. As a given name it is a modern American nature choice.

Oak ranked #2429 for boys in 2024 as a bold one-syllable nature name in the tree-naming tradition.

Did you know? The oak was considered the 'king of trees' across Europe — sacred to Zeus (Greek), Jupiter (Roman), Thor (Norse), and the Druids (Celtic). England's great warships were called 'Hearts of Oak,' and an English oak (Quercus robur) can live for 1,000 years and support over 2,000 species of insects and animals.

Overall data confidence 97%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Oakley

Nicknames

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If you like Oak…

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Slade— another nature pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Oak mean?

Oak means 'the oak tree,' from Old English ac. The oak was sacred to Zeus, Jupiter, Thor, and the Druids — the king of trees across European tradition.

How do you pronounce Oak?

It's said OHK /oʊk/ — one syllable, rhyming with 'cloak.'

Is Oak a boy or girl name?

Oak is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Oak?

Oak ranked #2429 for U.S. boys in 2024.