A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ladd since 1915
Babies named Ladd per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1961, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ladd's real moment was 1967.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 20 |
| 1920s | 49 |
| 1930s | 54 |
| 1940s | 160 |
| 1950s | 180 |
| 1960s | 242 |
| 1970s | 134 |
| 1980s | 99 |
| 1990s | 64 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 142 |
| 2020s | 109 |
Meaning & origin
Ladd is a rare given name that saw its highest popularity in the 1960s, peaking at rank 4050 in 1967. After declining in use, it has been rising since 1995, with a one-in-65,695 birth rate in 2025. The name's first recorded use dates to 1915, indicating a long but sparse history in the United States. Its origins are uncertain, but it likely stems from an English surname or nickname, giving it a straightforward, friendly feel. Ladd's recent revival suggests it appeals to parents seeking an uncommon but familiar-sounding name.
Ladd is often considered a transferred use of an English surname, which itself may derive from the Old English "ladd" meaning "servant" or "young man." It may also have originated as a nickname for a boy or young man. The name has seen occasional use as a given name in the United States since the early 20th century, with a peak in the 1960s.
Sibling names for Ladd
Names that share Ladd's style, for a brother or sister.
