Blake
Blake began as an English surname with contradictory meanings — it can derive from the Old English "blæc" (dark, black) or "blāc" (pale, fair). The same spelling could thus describe opposite appearances. As a first name, Blake is modern — essentially a 20th-century coinage, originally for boys but increasingly for girls. Blake entered the US top 1000 in 1969 and peaked at #71 in 1991. Blake Shelton (born 1976), the country singer and coach on "The Voice," has kept the name visible. Blake Lively (born 1987), the actress known for "Gossip Girl" (2007-2012), gave the name a female charge — Blake is one of the few truly unisex names that work equally on either gender. I find Blake has a sleek, modern quality — the "Bl" opening is unusual, and the single syllable is direct. The "k" ending gives it sharpness. Blake is one of the most successful surname-as-first-name transitions, with a contemporary edge. Blake is a male name of English (surname) origin that means "Dark, black (or "pale")". Sleek, modern, and a little edgy. The name sounds sharp. Blakes tend to be confident. US top 200 since 1980s. Well-known people named Blake include Blake Shelton (singer), Blake Lively (actress), William Blake (poet/painter), Blake (English surname). Common variations and related forms of Blake include Blaise (related), Blakely (related), Blaze (variant), Blayke (modern).