Names That Mean Lake

  1. Nimue
    • Origin:

      Celtic Mythology (one of the names of the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends)
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Marilyn
    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Lynn
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  3. Lynn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "lake"
    • Description:

      Long gone to the girls.
  4. Lynn
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Linda or Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "lake"
    • Description:

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

      Scottish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  6. Laken
    • Origin:

      Variation of Lake, English
    • Meaning:

      "lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  7. Talcott
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "cottage near the lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  8. Oaklynn
    • Origin:

      American invented name
    • Meaning:

      "oak lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  9. Belinay
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "reflection of the moon on a lake"
    • Description:

      A popular name in its native Turkey, with one of the most poetic meaning around.
  10. Laguna
    • Origin:

      Italian place-name
    • Meaning:

      "pond, lake"
    • Description:

      Laguna Beach is a famous California spot -- though there's "goonie" teasing potential.
  11. Arledge
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the rabbit lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  12. Merton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "town by the lake"
    • Description:

      Sounds like a displaced Dr. Seuss character.
  13. Meara
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "pool, lake"
    • Description:

      A name that has many close, more familiar relatives, like Mira and Myra.
  14. Cemlyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "crooked lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  15. Merivale
    • Origin:

      Cornish surname
    • Meaning:

      "valley near the lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  16. Oaklyn
    • Origin:

      American invented name
    • Meaning:

      "oak lake"
    • Description:

      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.
  17. Merivale
    • Origin:

      Cornish surname
    • Meaning:

      "valley near the lake"
    • Description:

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

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "edge of the lake"
    • Description:

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

      Variation of Lake, English nature name
    • Meaning:

      "lake"
    • Description:

      A potential nickname for Lake, or in professional surfer Lakey Peterson's case, Laura Louise.
  20. Marilynn
    • Origin:

      English combination of Mary and Lynn
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + lake"
    • Description:

      Variant of Marilyn