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

Popularity of Wayde by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Wayde is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 28 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wayde.

The history of the first name Wayde

The given name Wayde has its origins in the English language, with roots tracing back to the Middle English period (circa 1150-1500 CE). It is believed to be a variant of the name Wade, which itself derives from the Old English word "wadan," meaning "to go" or "to journey."

While the exact origins of the name Wayde are not entirely clear, it is thought to have emerged as a surname in parts of England during the 12th or 13th century. Over time, it transitioned into use as a given name, though it remained relatively uncommon compared to more prevalent names of the era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wayde can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire, England, dating back to 1191. These rolls were financial records kept by the English Exchequer, and they mention a individual named "Wayde de Hertford."

Throughout history, there have been a few notable individuals who bore the name Wayde. One such figure was Wayde Hampton (1585-1643), an English politician and Member of Parliament who represented the borough of Shaftesbury during the early 17th century.

Another individual of note was Wayde Browne (1707-1782), a British naval officer and explorer who served in the Royal Navy and is credited with helping to chart and map parts of the South Pacific region during his voyages in the mid-18th century.

In the realm of literature, one cannot overlook Wayde Fortescue (1819-1884), an English playwright and novelist who authored several popular works during the Victorian era, including the novel "The Crippled Heart" and the play "The Patrician's Daughter."

Crossing over into the field of science, Wayde Rutherford (1871-1937) was a renowned British physicist and Nobel laureate, best known for his pioneering work in the study of radioactivity and the structure of the atom.

Lastly, in the world of sports, Wayde van Niekerk (born 1992) is a South African sprinter and Olympic gold medalist, famous for his record-breaking performance in the 400-meter event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

While the name Wayde has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, these individuals and their respective contributions have helped to keep the name alive and imbue it with a sense of historical significance across various fields and disciplines.

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 Wayde was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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