Names That Mean Lake

Nimue (Lady of the Lake) is the ruler of Avalon in the Arthurian legend. Nimue plays a pivotal role in many stories, including giving King Arthur his sword Excalibur, enchanting Merlin, and raising Lancelot after the death of his father.

For a name that was in the Top 20 for a whole decade – the 1930's – Marilyn has attained the status of almost a one-person name. Just say the name Marilyn, and most people will know who you mean. Yet strangely enough, though Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jean and renamed in tribute to earlier star Marilyn Miller) was the sex symbol of her generation, very little stardust adhered to her name. In fact, when Mariah Carey wished to honor the star in her daughter's name, she chose to call her Monroe rather than Marilyn.

Long gone to the girls.

Lynn arrived in the 1940s, spinning off from the wildly popular Linda, to become a top midcentury middle name. Now, Lynn's in limbo.

Loch is a watery word that sounds more like a name because it's one step removed from its English form. Pronounced as "lock," it's also a short form of the variously-spelled Lachlan.

Not quite a nature name and not quite a surname — whatever Laken is or isn't, we know it's definitely a name to watch.

Similar in style or sound to Prescott, Maverick and Beckett, this far rarer name feels formal and strong. Notably borne by socialist Talcott Parsons, nicknames Tal or Otto might soften it a little. Alcott is a similar option with a literary ties.

Many names relating to oak as in the tree are becoming more popular for baby girls, including Oaklynn, more popular than twin Oaklyn three to one. About 1800 baby girls were named Oaklynn versus 600 spelled Oaklyn.

A popular name in its native Turkey, with one of the most poetic meaning around.

Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.

A strong, distinctive surname with a quaint meaning and rugged air, Arledge is associated with American sports broadcaster, Roone Arledge. It may hold contemporary appeal thanks to its similarities to Ledger and Arlo.

Sounds like a displaced Dr. Seuss character.

A name that has many close, more familiar relatives, like Mira and Myra.

A bay on the north coast of Wales, it shares the "crooked" element with Cameron and the Arthurian placename Camlann. It's used occasionally in Wales, and may appeal as an uncommon alternative to popular Celtic boy names like Callum and Kellan.

Merivale (and its variant, Merrivale) is a habitational surname with Cornish roots. Except there's nowhere in Cornwall called Merivale — people with this surname likely came from the similar-sounding town, Merryfield. There is, however, a hamlet named Merrivale in nearby Devon, England.

About 50 baby boys wee named Oaklyn in the US last year, vs. 600 baby girls. For girls, the Oaklynn spelling is three times more popular; for boys that's reversed.

This Cornish surname is rarely used as a given name but could make a great way to honor a Mary in your life.

A unique natural-wonder option, conjuring up the beauty of the lake between California and Nevada that has become a popular tourist destination.

A potential nickname for Lake, or in professional surfer Lakey Peterson's case, Laura Louise.

Variant of Marilyn