Holding steady.
Popularity of Thaddeaus since 1918
Babies named Thaddeaus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1993, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Thaddeaus's real moment was 1978.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 22 |
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 36 |
| 2000s | 33 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Thaddeaus is an uncommon spelling variant of the apostolic name Thaddeus, which has been in occasional use in the United States since at least 1918. The name reached its peak popularity in 1978, though even then it was extremely rare and never entered the top 1000. Based on Social Security data, its trajectory has been stable, remaining on the margins of usage. Parents choosing this spelling may be drawn to its distinctive look while honoring the traditional name. Its rarity means it offers a high degree of uniqueness, but it also carries a risk of frequent misspelling and mispronunciation.
Thaddeaus is a rare spelling variant of Thaddeus, a name of Aramaic origin appearing in the New Testament. One of the twelve apostles, Thaddeus is often equated with Jude, though the name's exact meaning is disputed. The spelling with 'au' may reflect a Latinized or medieval influence.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Thad, Tad, Thaddy
Sibling names for Thaddeaus
Names that share Thaddeaus's style, for a brother or sister.
