Find out how popular the first name Chad has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chad by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Chad is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Chad being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 107 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chad.

The history of the first name Chad

The name Chad traces its origins back to the ancient Babylonian civilization, where it was derived from the word "Chaddad," meaning "warrior" or "fighter." This name was commonly used among the Babylonian people, who were known for their military prowess and conquests.

During the 6th century BC, the name Chad appeared in several ancient Babylonian cuneiform tablets and inscriptions, often referring to soldiers or military leaders. One of the earliest recorded examples of this name is found in the Babylonian Chronicles, which mention a Chad who served as a commander in the army of King Nebuchadnezzar II.

As the Babylonian Empire expanded, the name Chad spread to other regions of the ancient Near East, including Persia and Mesopotamia. It was adopted by various cultures and underwent slight variations in spelling and pronunciation, such as "Khad" or "Chadad."

In the 4th century AD, the name Chad gained prominence in the Christian tradition when it was borne by Saint Chad of Mercia, a prominent bishop and missionary in Anglo-Saxon England. Saint Chad is celebrated for his efforts in spreading Christianity and establishing monasteries in the region.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Chad. One of the most famous was Chad Gadya, a 12th-century Jewish scholar and philosopher from Spain. His works on Torah commentary and Jewish law were highly influential during the Golden Age of Jewish culture in the Iberian Peninsula.

Another prominent Chad was Chad of Armentières, a 13th-century French knight who fought in the Seventh Crusade alongside King Louis IX. He was known for his bravery and valor on the battlefield and is mentioned in several contemporary chronicles and accounts of the Crusades.

In the 16th century, Chad Everett, an English playwright and poet, gained recognition for his works that explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition. His plays were performed in London's renowned theaters and enjoyed widespread popularity during the Elizabethan era.

The name Chad also has a notable connection to the world of exploration and adventure. Chad Chadwick was a 19th-century American explorer who led expeditions into the uncharted territories of the American West. His journals and accounts of his travels contributed significantly to the understanding of the region's geography and indigenous cultures.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Chad, a name with a rich and diverse lineage that spans ancient civilizations, religious traditions, and cultural contexts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chad was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chad, please contact us.

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