A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wade since 1880
Babies named Wade per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 523 |
| 1890s | 530 |
| 1900s | 557 |
| 1910s | 2,331 |
| 1920s | 3,538 |
| 1930s | 3,094 |
| 1940s | 4,293 |
| 1950s | 8,531 |
| 1960s | 12,866 |
| 1970s | 10,425 |
| 1980s | 6,973 |
| 1990s | 5,987 |
| 2000s | 4,494 |
| 2010s | 6,506 |
| 2020s | 5,850 |
Meaning & origin
Wade is an English surname-turned-given name with a straightforward occupational and geographical origin: it comes from Old English 'wadan' meaning 'to go' or 'to ford,' originally indicating someone who lived by a river crossing. The name has been in use as a first name since at least 1880, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its peak popularity came in 1970, when it ranked higher than its current position. After a period of decline, Wade has been rising again since 2009. In the 1970s, the name experienced a revival, and it remains most common in states like Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. At its current ranking of 344th (with a frequency of 1 in 1,802 boys), Wade maintains steady, moderate usage without being overly trendy.
Wade derives from the Old English verb 'wadan', meaning 'to go' or 'to ford', and was originally a descriptive surname for someone who lived near a shallow crossing point in a river. As a given name, it gained modest popularity in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States during the 20th century. The name has medieval roots but saw revived use in the 20th century.
Where Wade 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.
Sibling names for Wade
Names that share Wade's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eva, Clara, Mae, June, Pearl, Faye, Brook, Landry, Twyla, Brinn, Lexine, Mckell, Wana, Wandra, Donda, Harla, Knoelle, Luwanda, Winda
Brothers: Lane, Blake, Reed, Brett, Clay, Grant, Clark, Cort, Vance, Macon, Pearce, Webb, Hoover, Parke, Rendell, Rowe, Wess, Bain, Bow, Griff, Hyland, Klyde, Swade, Tell, Chaunce, Chevis, Ndrew, Read, Wane, Won
Names like Wade
Names whose popularity has moved with Wade's over the last 50 years.
