Declining since 2022.
Popularity of Rada since 1893
Babies named Rada per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rada's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 23 |
| 1910s | 78 |
| 1920s | 93 |
| 1930s | 80 |
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 36 |
| 1960s | 28 |
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 21 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Rada is a rare Slavic name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1893, its peak year. Since the 1890s, it has seen very limited use, with its trajectory falling since 2022. The name is likely a diminutive of longer Slavic names like Radmila or Radovan, both built from the root rad-, meaning 'joy' or 'care'. Despite its obscurity in modern American naming, Rada carries a straightforward, melodic sound that fits into current trends for short, vowel-ending names. Its rarity means it has no recorded top states or notable bearers in the U.S., making it a genuinely distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with Eastern European roots.
The name Rada is most likely a short form of Slavic names beginning with the element rad-, meaning 'joy' or 'care' (e.g., Radmila, Radovan). It is used in various Slavic countries including Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia. The name has been recorded in the United States since the late 19th century, though it remains uncommon.
Sibling names for Rada
Names that share Rada's style, for a brother or sister.
