Declining since 1985, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Tad since 1912
Babies named Tad per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 37 |
| 1920s | 96 |
| 1930s | 123 |
| 1940s | 201 |
| 1950s | 802 |
| 1960s | 1,862 |
| 1970s | 1,542 |
| 1980s | 1,035 |
| 1990s | 673 |
| 2000s | 318 |
| 2010s | 170 |
| 2020s | 70 |
Meaning & origin
Tad is a concise, friendly name that originated as a nickname for Thaddeus. It saw its greatest popularity in the 1960s, reaching its peak rank in 1966. Since 1985, its usage has been on a steady decline. In 2025, it ranked 7,194th, with an estimated 1 in 155,280 boys receiving the name. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1912. While it's now uncommon, Tad retains a retro charm that might appeal to parents seeking a short, informal name with historical roots.
Tad originated as a diminutive of Thaddeus, a name of Aramaic origin meaning 'heart' or 'courageous heart'. In the New Testament, Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles. By the 19th century, Tad had become an independent given name in English-speaking countries, often used as a nickname but also given on its own. Its popularity peaked in the United States during the 1960s.
Where Tad 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Taddy
Sibling names for Tad
Names that share Tad's style, for a brother or sister.
