Origin, Meaning, And History Of Lane
The simplest and literal meaning of the name Lane may be a small roadway. Lane is a unisex name of English origin and is believed to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a lane, derived from the Old English word “lanu,” meaning “narrow.”
It’s derived from Middle English or Old English “lane,” originally a narrow way between fences or hedges or even a meadow. In Irish, it’s believed to be the shortened Anglicized form of three Gaelic words, Ó Laighin (descendant of Laighean, which means “spear or javelin”), Ó Luain (descendant of Luan, which means “warrior”) or O’Loan and Ó Liatháin.
In Swedish, it’s considered a habitational name from a district named Lane in the province of Bohuslän in western Sweden. In French, it is believed to be a variant of Lasne, a nickname for a stubborn man or for an owner of a donkey. It is also the Americanized form of the French name Laine. In German, the name is a variant of the surname Laine, which means “a clearing” or “meadow.
Throughout history, the Lane surname has been borne by many notable individuals. For example, Sir Ralph Lane was an English explorer who led the first English colony in America at Roanoke Island in 1585 but failed in the attempt to colonize the island.
The Lane surname has also spawned many derivatives and variations, such as Laney, Lainey, Laine, Laine, Loane, Leane, and Lanier, Lane, Layne, and Leigh. It was generally used as a surname but has gained popularity over the years as a first name. In addition to being a surname and first name, the word “lane” also has other meanings. It can refer to a narrow road or path between buildings or fields, a marked-off area for a specific purpose, or a division in a bowling alley.
Lane Pryce from the television show Mad Men, Lane Kim from Gilmore Girls, Lane Meyer from Better Off Dead, and Lane Alexander from Victorious are some fictional characters with the name Lane.
Lane
How To Pronounce Lane?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Lane in English.
Famous People With The Name Lane
- Lane BradfordAmerican actor specializing in tough guy roles, who appeared in more than 250 films and television series.
- Lane BrodyAmerican country music singer-songwriter best known for her 1984 Billboard-topping country hit “The Yellow Rose” and for the Oscar-nominated song “Over You.”
- Lane GarrisonAmerican actor best known for the role of David Apolskis on the television series Prison Break.
- Lane FrostAmerican professional bull rider who was the 1987 World Champion of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Lane On The Popularity Chart
The name Lane is now a popular first name in many countries, including the United States. Find out the popularity of the name over years from the graphs below.
Popularity Over Time
The popularity of the name Lane has significantly improved over the years, with 1312 babies per billion being named Lane in 2021 from just 147 babies per billion in 1980.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Even though the name Lane increased in popularity over time, its ranking has shown a decline since 1980. As of 2021, Lane is ranked 17,085.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Lane
Here is a list of a few names that sound similar to Lane.
Popular Sibling Names For Lane
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Lane, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Lane
Find matching brother names for Lane and create a wonderful team of siblings.
LaineLancdon Lance Lancelot Land Landan Landen Lander Landers Landin Girl Sibling Names For Lane
Looking for some suitable sister names for Lane? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
LainaLaineigh Lainie Landree Landrie Lanelle Lanette Laney Langhiue Langhuie Other Popular Names Beginning With L
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter L to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Lane
Lane is an excellent choice for your little one, but if you want to look at other names with the same meaning, here are some options for you.
Infographic: Know The Name Lane‘s Personality As Per Numerology
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How To Communicate The Name Lane In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
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In Sign Language
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In Braille Alphabet
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In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For Lane
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Lane?
The name Lane means ‘narrow.’
2. What is the origin of the name Lane?
Lane has an English origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Lane?
Lane is pronounced as leyn.
4. Does the name Lane have any cultural or historical connections?
The name Lane has significant cultural and historical connections. Sir Ralph Lane, Virginia’s first governor, is notable for leading the 1585 Roanoke expedition to Roanoke island in America (1). His role in early English colonization and exploration adds to the historical significance of the name Lane, highlighting its cultural and historical ties to America’s early days.
5. Is Lane a gender-neutral name or typically associated with a specific gender?
Lane is a gender-neutral name of English origin, derived from the Old English lanu, meaning ‘narrow.’ It is also a habitational name given to people residing near a lane. Thus, the origin and meaning of Lane facilitate its usage among both boys and girls.
References:
- Master Ralph Lane;
https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/roanokecolonies/view/Master%20Ralph%20Lane
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