Drake has become a household name in the music industry, but many fans may not know the true story behind his last name. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of the name “Drake” and how it has impacted the rapper’s career.
The Man Behind the Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
Aubrey Drake Graham was born on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. His parents, Dennis Graham and Sandi Sher, both had musical backgrounds – his father was a drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis and his mother sang backup for Canadian rock band, The Ohs. Despite their musical talents, Drake’s parents divorced when he was just five years old, and he was raised primarily by his mother.
Early Life and Family Background
Growing up, Drake had a close relationship with his mother and his maternal grandparents, who were both educators. His grandparents instilled in him a love of learning and a desire to succeed. Drake attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, a prestigious high school in Toronto, where he excelled academically and showed an early interest in acting and performing.
Drake’s mother, Sandi Sher, was a Jewish Canadian, while his father, Dennis Graham, was an African-American musician from Memphis, Tennessee. Drake has spoken publicly about the challenges he faced growing up biracial, and how it has influenced his music and his identity.
Despite facing some adversity, Drake found success early on in his acting career. In 2001, at the age of 15, he landed a role on the Canadian teen drama series “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” Drake played the character Jimmy Brooks for several years, and his performance earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
The Significance of the Name “Graham”
Drake’s last name, Graham, has Scottish origins and means “gravelly homestead.” It is not clear where exactly his ancestors originated from, but the Graham clan has a long history in Scotland dating back to the 12th century.
Despite the name’s connection to Scotland, Drake has stated in interviews that he is proud of his African-American and Jewish heritage. He has used his platform to speak out about social justice issues and advocate for marginalized communities.
Drake’s music has also been heavily influenced by his diverse background. He has seamlessly blended different genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and pop, to create a unique sound that resonates with fans around the world.
Overall, Aubrey Drake Graham’s life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing one’s identity. His story serves as an inspiration to many, and his music continues to push boundaries and break records.
The History and Meaning of the Surname “Drake”
Etymology and Origins
The surname Drake has a number of possible origins, but the most common explanation is that it comes from the Middle English word “drake,” meaning “male duck.” This would have been a nickname for someone who resembled a duck, or who kept ducks, and eventually evolved into a surname. Other possible origins include a habitational name for someone who lived near a duck pond, or a topographical name for someone who lived on land frequented by ducks.
Interestingly, the name Drake is also associated with dragons in some cultures. In Welsh mythology, for example, the red dragon symbolizes the nation of Wales, and some people believe that the surname Drake may have originated from this association.
Famous Drakes Throughout History
While the name Drake has never been particularly common, there have been a number of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name. One of the most famous is Sir Francis Drake, the English explorer and naval commander who circumnavigated the globe in the late 16th century. Drake helped defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588 and was known for his daring and piratical exploits. Another famous Drake was Charlie Drake, a British comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1950s and appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Other notable individuals with the surname Drake include Nathan Drake, a famous video game character from the Uncharted series, and Nick Drake, a British singer-songwriter who gained a cult following in the 1960s and 70s.
The Drake Family Crest and Coat of Arms
The Drake family crest dates back to the 14th century and features a red wyvern, a mythical winged creature with a dragon’s head and a serpent’s body. The wyvern is shown holding a branch with blue flowers in its mouth, which represents the “flourishing of the family and its achievements.” The Drake family coat of arms features a golden shield with a red wyvern, as well as three silver wavy lines symbolizing water.
The Drake family crest and coat of arms have been used by various branches of the family over the centuries. In addition to the wyvern, some versions of the crest also feature a crest coronet, which is a type of crown that indicates the rank of the family. The crest coronet on the Drake family crest is a gold ducal coronet, which indicates that the family is of noble or aristocratic rank.
Today, the Drake family crest and coat of arms are still used by some members of the family, particularly those who are interested in genealogy or family history. They are also used by some businesses and organizations that have ties to the Drake family name.
The Connection Between Drake and His Last Name
Embracing His Heritage
Despite his mixed heritage and complicated family history, Drake has always been proud of his name and his background. His full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, with “Aubrey” being his first name and “Graham” being his last. The name “Aubrey” has French origins and means “elf ruler,” while “Graham” is a Scottish surname that means “gravelly homestead.”
Drake’s mother, Sandi Graham, is Jewish Canadian, while his father, Dennis Graham, is African American and a native of Memphis, Tennessee. Drake was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and has often spoken about the challenges he faced growing up in a multicultural household.
Despite these challenges, Drake has always been proud of his heritage and has incorporated it into his music. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, he explained, “I’m proud of it… I love my family, I love my name, I love my heritage.” Drake has also been known to incorporate his Scottish roots into his music, such as the use of bagpipes in his song “The Motto.”
The Impact of His Last Name on His Career
While Drake’s last name may not have been the sole reason for his success, it has certainly played a role in his image and brand. The name “Drake” is memorable and unique, and has helped differentiate him from other rappers in the industry. In fact, Drake originally used his middle name, “Drake,” as his stage name before dropping his first name, “Aubrey,” altogether.
Drake’s last name has also allowed him to create a lasting legacy for himself and his family. In an interview with Complex, he explained, “I’m trying to build a brand. I’m not just a rapper, I’m also a businessman. I want to be remembered as someone who was able to build an empire, not just for myself, but for my family as well.”
Drake’s Relationship with His Father
Despite the significance of his last name, Drake has often spoken publicly about his complicated relationship with his father, Dennis Graham. In his song “Look What You’ve Done,” he raps about his father being absent from his life and the pain it caused him. However, in recent years, the two have reconciled and have been seen together at events and on social media.
Drake has also referenced his father in his music, such as in his hit song “0 to 100.” In the song, he raps, “Know yourself, know your worth, my actions been louder than my words.” This line is a reference to his father’s advice to him when he was younger.
Despite the challenges he has faced with his father, Drake has continued to embrace his heritage and his last name. He has used his platform to speak out about issues that affect the African American community, such as police brutality and systemic racism. He has also used his music to celebrate his mixed heritage and to bring people from different backgrounds together.
The Evolution of Drake’s Public Persona
Drake’s journey from a Canadian actor to a world-renowned rapper has been nothing short of remarkable. While his acting career on the teen drama series “Degrassi: The Next Generation” may have been his first foray into the entertainment industry, it was his passion for music that eventually led him to pursue a career as a rapper.
From Actor to Rapper: Shedding the “Graham” Name
Drake’s decision to use his last name as his stage name was a strategic move that allowed him to distance himself from his acting career and establish himself as a serious rapper. In an interview with Complex, Drake explained that using his given name, Aubrey Graham, would have made it difficult for him to be taken seriously as a rapper. By adopting the name “Drake,” he was able to reinvent himself and create a new persona that resonated with fans.
As he began to release mixtapes under the name “Drake,” he quickly gained a following and caught the attention of major record labels. His debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” was released in 2010 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was a commercial success and solidified Drake’s position as a rising star in the music industry.
The Creation of the “Drake” Brand
Drake’s success as a rapper has not been limited to his music career. He has also become a savvy businessman, launching numerous partnerships and collaborations that have helped him build a brand around his name. In 2013, he announced a partnership with Jordan Brand, a subsidiary of Nike, to create a line of sneakers and apparel. The collaboration was a huge success and helped establish Drake as a fashion icon.
In addition to his partnership with Jordan Brand, Drake has also launched his own clothing line, OVO Sound. The line includes a range of clothing and accessories, including t-shirts, hoodies, and hats, and has become a popular choice among fans and consumers. Drake’s ability to create and market his own brand has been a significant factor in his continued success.
The Lasting Legacy of Drake’s Name in the Music Industry
As Drake’s career continues to evolve, his name has become synonymous with success and innovation in the music industry. He has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and six American Music Awards, and has been recognized as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Drake’s impact on the music industry extends beyond his own music. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Rihanna, Kanye West, and Jay-Z, and has helped launch the careers of other artists through his record label, OVO Sound.
Whether he is performing under his given name of Aubrey Graham or his stage name of Drake, there is no denying the impact that he has had on the world of music and pop culture. His last name has become a significant part of his legacy, representing his journey from a Canadian actor to a global superstar.
