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Year of the Dragon - Drake, Draco



There are two very recognizable names that easily celebrate 2012, the year of the dragon according to the Chinese zodiac. However, these names are not Chinese. Draco, Latin for "dragon," is the name of a constellation (and a popular Harry Potter character), and Drake, Middle English for "dragon," is still widely used today. Drake was originally an occupational name and a surname meant to identify those who were innkeepers of inns with a dragon crest. One very famous namesake was English explorer Sir Francis Drake, and another is a currently famous rapper who goes solely by Drake.

In 2010 there were 30 baby boys named Draco, 7 named Drako, 6 named Drago (the Italian version), 1,850 Drake, 5 Draike, 10 Drayk, and 31 Drayke. But, I can't think of a better name for a 2012 dragon baby.

If Draco and Drake don't appeal to you, perhaps Tarragon would be more to your liking. This herb name  comes from drakontion, meaning "dragonwort." It's botanical name is Artemisia dracunculus, meaning "little dragon."

For girls, try Dracaena (druh-KAY-nuh), which is from Greek drakaina, meaning "female dragon." It is a plant name, and a very beautiful and interesting plant at that.
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  1. SebastianeJanuary 25, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    I love Draco. It is such a cool, firey and powerful name. Draco is decidedly masculine. I cannot see this one ever becoming a female name, which is a plus.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 26, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    dracen in a female form

    ReplyDelete
  3. thebluemoonroseAugust 17, 2016 at 4:57 AM

    They for got Draconis

    ReplyDelete
  4. thebluemoonroseAugust 17, 2016 at 4:58 AM

    They for got Draconis

    ReplyDelete

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