Lane is a unisex given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "lane," which means "narrow street or alley." The name Lane has been used in English-speaking countries for centuries, but it became popular as a given name during the mid-20th century.
Historically, Lane was primarily used as a surname, often given to individuals who lived near a narrow lane or alley. Over time, however, some families began using Lane as a given name for their children. Today, Lane is more commonly used as a given name for both boys and girls, particularly in the United States.
In terms of popularity, Lane has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys and girls in the United States since the mid-20th century. However, its popularity has varied over time and by region. For example, Lane was more popular as a boy's name in the southern states during the early to mid-20th century, while it was more commonly used as a girl's name in other parts of the country.
In summary, Lane is an English given name with origins in the Middle Ages. It means "narrow street or alley" and has been used as both a surname and a given name over the centuries. Today, Lane is popular among parents looking for unique yet accessible names for their children.
The name Lane has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were fewer than 10 births each year with the name Lane. However, starting in the 1920s, the number of annual births with the name began to rise steadily.
By the 1940s, over 80 births per year were being recorded for the name Lane. The 1950s saw a significant jump, with over 160 births in 1950 and peaking at nearly 340 births in 1959. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with annual birth counts ranging from 130 to 279.
The 1980s saw another surge in popularity for the name Lane, with over 200 births each year from 1985 onwards. The 1990s marked a significant turning point, with over 600 births recorded in 1994 and over 1,000 births per year from 1995 to 1997.
Since the turn of the century, the popularity of the name Lane has continued to grow. Between 2000 and 2022, there were over 1,000 births recorded for the name Lane each year, with a peak of nearly 1,400 births in 2019. In total, over 44,800 babies have been named Lane in the United States since records began.
This data illustrates the enduring popularity of the name Lane and its consistent growth in usage over time. Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name has remained a staple among parents for generations.