The name Wade is an English given name of Old English origin, derived from the word "wadan," which means "to go" or "to travel." It is believed to have emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD.

The name was commonly used in medieval England and was often associated with those who lived near water or worked as ferrymen, as the word "wadan" also referred to crossing a body of water. It was a popular name among the working class and was frequently found in historical records and parish registers.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wade can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This suggests that the name was already in use during the 11th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Wade. One of the earliest was Wade Hampton (1754-1835), a wealthy American plantation owner and military officer who served as a lieutenant colonel in the Revolutionary War. Another notable figure was Wade Hampton III (1818-1902), a Confederate cavalry leader during the American Civil War and later a governor of South Carolina.

In the realm of literature, Wade Giles (1625-1707) was an English scholar and sinologist who developed a system of romanization for the Chinese language, known as the Wade-Giles system. This system was widely used in the West until the late 20th century.

The name Wade also appears in religious contexts. Wade Hampton Frost (1880-1938) was an American Baptist missionary and author who spent many years in China, writing extensively about his experiences and advocating for greater understanding between East and West.

In the world of sports, Wade Boggs (born 1958) is a former American professional baseball player who had a successful career with the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name Wade, demonstrating its longevity and cultural significance across various fields and eras.