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Jake

Boy name · 3,280 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Jake: 3,280 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 167 births in 2005.

Jake began as a short form of Jacob, which comes from the Hebrew Ya’akov, meaning “supplanter” or “holder of the heel.” It became a stand-alone first name in English-speaking countries, popular for its friendly, approachable sound. Famous bearers include actor Jake Gyllenhaal, known for *Brokeback Mountain* and *Nightcrawler*, and boxer Jake LaMotta, the “Raging Bull” immortalized in Martin Scorsese’s film. The name shares its root with the biblical Jacob, whose story gave rise to the name Israel. Jake has been a consistent favourite in Scotland since the 1970s, often chosen for its casual charm and enduring appeal across generations

Boy 44 of 52 years

Peak year
2005167 babies
Latest (2025)
#20820 babies
Total births
3,280since 1979
5-year trend
▼ 55%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2005 · 167
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).