Declining since 1985, #1,699 for boys today.
Popularity of Chad since 1914
Babies named Chad per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 50 |
| 1920s | 103 |
| 1930s | 157 |
| 1940s | 451 |
| 1950s | 1,837 |
| 1960s | 15,902 |
| 1970s | 113,534 |
| 1980s | 69,051 |
| 1990s | 27,112 |
| 2000s | 8,516 |
| 2010s | 3,281 |
| 2020s | 734 |
Meaning & origin
Chad enjoyed its peak popularity in 1973, when it ranked as a top-100 name. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting a larger shift away from classic mid-century names. In the 1970s, it was given to thousands of boys annually, but by 2025 it had fallen to 1,699th place, with only about 1 in 17,792 newborns receiving the name. The name has been most popular in states like Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Despite its decline, Chad remains a familiar name, often associated with the post-war baby boom generation.
Chad is derived from the Old English name Ceadda, borne by a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon saint. Its meaning is uncertain; while often linked to the Welsh 'cad' meaning 'battle', it may also be a short form of Charles. The name saw little use after the Middle Ages until a 20th-century revival, peaking in the 1970s.
Where Chad is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Chad” around the world
Where Chad lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chaddy
Variants: Ceadda
Sibling names for Chad
Names that share Chad's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Amy, Julie, Laura, Karen, Tracy, Brandi, Chasity, Brandee, Melonie, Shandi, Brandice, Brandis, Tyann, Candance, Chasitie, Jacci, Jennilyn, Rockell, Brandace, Brendi, Chatara
Brothers: Brad, Todd, Scott, Greg, Kevin, Bret, Clint, Chadrick, Dusten, Bradd, Brentt, Creg, Teddrick, Jontue, Morocco, Sherrick
Names like Chad
Names whose popularity has moved with Chad's over the last 50 years.
