Jake is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #235 in 2025 with 213 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 4,331 births ranking #18. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 95.1%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 1,277 boys born was named Jake. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Jake is the brisk, friendly short form of Jacob and carries the same traditional meaning family. It feels easygoing and modern while resting on one of the oldest biblical foundations in naming.
The name became strong enough through nickname use to stand as a full name in its own right. Its long success comes from that mix of scriptural depth and modern simplicity.