Boy · 40th of 10,718
Chad
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
241,679
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1972
Peak Popularity Year
13,440
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Chad stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Chad originates from the Old English 'Ceadda', meaning 'battle' or 'warrior'. It evolved through history into its modern form and has been popularized by notable figures. The name carries a strong and masculine connotation, though it has faced varied cultural perceptions. There is no direct biblical significance associated with it.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/tʃæd/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Chad is derived from the Old English name 'Ceadda', which is believed to mean 'battle' or 'warrior'.
Meaning
battle, warrior
Language Evolution
Ceadda, Chad
Historical Usage
Chad gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, often associated with the early Christian saint Saint Chad of Mercia.
Variants & Derivatives
Chaddy, Chadwick
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Chad is perceived as a strong and masculine name, though it has also been associated with various cultural stereotypes.
Famous People
Chad Michael Murray, Chad Smith, Chad Kroeger
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 13,440 peak births in 1972
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2857th of 7545 | 134 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1528th of 6773 | 381 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 476th of 7552 | 4,691 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 40th of 10718 | 136,977 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 68th of 16616 | 80,679 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 326th of 24088 | 15,197 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 992nd of 23106 | 2,581 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2092nd of 19264 | 649 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3972nd of 27321 | 384 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 33240th of 35406 | 6 |