The nameChad

Chad is an Anglo-Saxon saint's name. It was a top 25 American name in the early 1970s.

Meaning

Chad comes from the Old English Ceadda, perhaps from a Welsh word for "battle".

Origin

Old English.

History

Saint Chad was a 7th century bishop of Mercia, patron of Lichfield. In the United States Chad reached 25th place in 1972.

Famous people named Chad

Popularity of the name Chad

Chad in the United States

1812thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
1972peak year (13,440 births)
241,679babies named Chad in the United States since 1880
06,72013,440 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Chad was most popular in the United States in the 1970s, with 114,102 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Chad. Its rise began around 1966, and it peaked in 1972. Half of all babies named Chad in the United States were born before 1978, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 128 births a year on average, against 248 in the five years before.

Chad in the United Kingdom

4911thmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
1997peak year (110 births)
1,072babies named Chad in the United Kingdom since 1997
055110 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Chad was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 573 births over the decade, 53% of all recorded babies named Chad. Half of all babies named Chad in the United Kingdom were born before 2003.

Chad in France

2008peak year (35 births)
540babies named Chad in France since 1900
01835 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Sibling names for Chad

Names from the same generation as Chad, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Chad? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Chad with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Chad side by side with the name of your choice.

Chad in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Chad mean?

Chad comes from the Old English Ceadda, perhaps from a Welsh word for "battle".

What is the origin of the name Chad?

Old English.

Is Chad a girl's or a boy's name?

Chad is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Chad?

In 2024, Chad was the 1812th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 90 births.

What are good sibling names for Chad?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Erika, Deanna, Patricia and Tabitha for a sister, Marc, Steve, Brendan and Jakob for a brother.

Who are famous people named Chad?

Saint Chad of Mercia; Chad Smith, drummer.