A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Thaddeus since 1880
Babies named Thaddeus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2016, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Thaddeus's real moment was 1918.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 111 |
| 1890s | 93 |
| 1900s | 155 |
| 1910s | 1,793 |
| 1920s | 2,421 |
| 1930s | 1,214 |
| 1940s | 1,427 |
| 1950s | 2,192 |
| 1960s | 2,101 |
| 1970s | 2,890 |
| 1980s | 2,399 |
| 1990s | 2,361 |
| 2000s | 2,050 |
| 2010s | 3,090 |
| 2020s | 1,760 |
Meaning & origin
Thaddeus has a long history as a biblical name, belonging to one of the twelve apostles. Despite its ancient roots, it has never been a top-tier choice in the U.S. Its peak year in popularity was 1918, reflecting a period when traditional, scriptural names were more common. In recent decades, Thaddeus has experienced a revival, with a steady rise in usage since 2004. The name is most frequently given in states like Nebraska, Idaho, and Kansas, suggesting a particular appeal in the Midwest and Plains regions. With its strong historical ties and distinctive sound, Thaddeus offers a classic option for parents seeking a name with depth and substance.
Thaddeus derives from the Aramaic name Thaddai, meaning "heart" or "courageous heart." In the New Testament, Thaddeus is one of the twelve apostles, often identified with Jude. The name has been used in Christian contexts for centuries, though it has never been among the most common names in the English-speaking world.
Where Thaddeus 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: Thad, Tad, Taddy
Variants: Thaddaeus, Thaddäus
Sibling names for Thaddeus
Names that share Thaddeus's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cecilia, Beatrice, Hannah, Phoebe, Susannah, Lavina, Alethia, Daphine, Talitha, Adalind, Carmilla, Permelia, Weltha, Araminta, Arminta, Gustavia, Myrical, Seraphim, Willoughby, Sybilla, Aritha, Artemisia, Endora
Brothers: Silas, Julian, Amos, Cyrus, Felix, Casimer, Casimir, Dedrick, Amory, Lazarus, Artemus, Beauregard, Cephas, Nicodemus, Stanislaus, Aldrick, Dozier, Eddrick, Durant, Regginald
Names like Thaddeus
Names whose popularity has moved with Thaddeus's over the last 50 years.
