A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Thadeus since 1912
Babies named Thadeus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 116 |
| 1920s | 153 |
| 1930s | 27 |
| 1940s | 26 |
| 1950s | 33 |
| 1960s | 48 |
| 1970s | 148 |
| 1980s | 121 |
| 1990s | 160 |
| 2000s | 173 |
| 2010s | 95 |
| 2020s | 23 |
Meaning & origin
Thadeus is a rare variant of Thaddeus, a name with New Testament ties. Recorded since 1912, it peaked in 1918 but has seen a slight resurgence since 2022, moving upward in rank. In 2025, it was given to approximately 1 in 284,679 boys, placing it far from common usage. The 1910s revival category explains its early 20th-century spike. While Thaddeus itself remains more familiar, Thadeus offers a distinct spelling that feels both classic and uncommon. Its historical slim usage over the decades makes it a choice for parents seeking a name with deep roots but contemporary rarity.
Thadeus is a variant spelling of Thaddeus, a name of debated origin. One theory traces it to the Aramaic "lad" or "heart," while another connects it to the Greek "Thaddaios" used in the New Testament. The name was borne by one of the twelve apostles, also known as Jude or Lebbaeus. The spelling Thadeus emerged in English-speaking countries as a respelling, likely influenced by popular endings like -eus.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Thad, Thaddy, Tad
Sibling names for Thadeus
Names that share Thadeus's style, for a brother or sister.
