Boy · 386th of 23,106
Wade
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
75,720
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1970
Peak Popularity Year
1,430
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Wade stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Wade originates from Old English and means 'to go' or 'to advance'. It has evolved through various forms such as Wadan and Váði in Old Norse. The name is characterized by its strong and determined traits. It does not have biblical roots, but it gained popularity in medieval England and saw a resurgence in the 19th century. Common variants include Waden and Wadeson, and it is perceived positively in modern times.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/weɪd/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Wade is derived from the Old English word 'wadan,' which means 'to go' or 'to advance'. It can also be linked to the Old Norse name 'Váði', which means 'to go forward'.
Meaning
to go, to advance
Language Evolution
Old English: Wadan, Old Norse: Váði, Middle English: Wade
Historical Usage
The name Wade gained popularity in medieval England and has been used as both a first name and a surname. It became more common in the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Waden, Wadeson, Wadi
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Wade is perceived as a strong and classic name, often associated with resilience and determination.
Famous People
Wade Boggs, a renowned baseball player, Wade Wilson, a fictional character also known as Deadpool, Wade Phillips, an accomplished American football coach
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
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,430 peak births in 1970
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 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 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 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 295th of 7545 | 5,705 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 306th of 6773 | 6,130 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 247th of 7552 | 16,931 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 215th of 10718 | 17,555 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 346th of 16616 | 10,670 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 529th of 24088 | 7,396 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 386th of 23106 | 10,056 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6038th of 9107 | 29 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 8163rd of 12526 | 31 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8388th of 19264 | 68 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 18297th of 27321 | 23 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 32490th of 35406 | 7 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |