Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Laken
UnisexAmerican (modern coinage)· “modern coinage from lake”
- Meaning
- modern coinage from lake
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- LAY-kuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #990
- US babies 2025
- 256
- Best rank
- #862 (1991)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Laken
Laken is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern coinage from lake”.
Laken is a modern American name built from the word lake, with an -en ending similar to that of names like Braden and Kaylen. It belongs to the family of nature-inspired coinages that evoke water and open landscapes, much like River or Brooks. Because it is a recent creation, Laken has no long historical meaning beyond that watery image. It is used for both boys and girls and has a casual, outdoorsy feel. Its short, two-syllable shape makes it easy to pair with classic middle names, and Lake itself works as a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Laken first appears in US Social Security records in 1984. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 7 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #862 in 1991, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 256 were named Laken. In 2025, 256 babies were named Laken, and it ranked #990 nationally. That is 92% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,441 in 2000, #1,854 in 2010, and #990 in 2025. Of the 6,240 US girls named Laken since records began, 31% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,311 babies. Since 2010, 2,435 more have been named Laken.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Isa, Ripley, Denim, Jovi, and Joan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Laken ranked highest in North Dakota, Kansas, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | #222 | 5 |
| Kansas | #308 | 11 |
| Minnesota | #412 | 13 |
| Alabama | #416 | 12 |
| Wisconsin | #435 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Laken is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 59% of US babies named Laken were girls and 41% were boys.
Laken is usually pronounced LAY-kuhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Laken
A few middle names that flow with Laken: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Laken
Similar names
Brayden Boy
BRAY-duhn
“modern form of Braden; salmon” · Irish
#229
Ayden Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · American (modern coinage)
#257
Kayden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern coinage related to Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#135
Jaden Boy
JAY-dihn
“modern coinage; possibly from biblical Jadon” · American (modern coinage)
#421
Caden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#201
Kaden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#328
Kaiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#237
Cayden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#414
Zayden Boy
ZAY-duhn
“modern variant of Jayden” · American (modern coinage)
#214
Jaiden Boy
JAY-duhn
“modern blend of Jay and Aiden” · American (modern coinage)
#618
Jaylen Boy
JAY-lin
“blend of Jay and Len” · American (modern coinage)
#361
Caiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“uncertain; modern variant of Kaden” · American (modern coinage)
#602
Lists that include Laken
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Laken mean?
Laken is an American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “modern coinage from lake”.
What is the origin of the name Laken?
Laken has modern American roots. Laken is a modern American name built from the word lake, with an -en ending similar to that of names like Braden and Kaylen.
Is Laken a popular name?
Yes. Laken ranked #990 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Laken a boy or girl name?
Laken is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 59% of US babies named Laken were girls and 41% were boys.
How do you pronounce Laken?
Laken is usually pronounced LAY-kuhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings