Chad is a masculine given name of unknown origin and uncertain meaning. Some sources suggest that it may have been derived from the Old English word "cæd," which means "round" or "bald." However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.
The name Chad first gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. It peaked in popularity in the year 1985, when it was given to more than 40,000 newborn boys in the U.S. alone. Since then, its usage has declined steadily, but it remains a fairly common name.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chad. One of the most famous is Chad Vader, the half-brother of Darth Vader and the protagonist of a popular web series created by Troy Duffy. Another well-known Chad is Chad Smith, the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
In pop culture, the name Chad has been used in various forms of media to evoke a specific image or stereotype. For example, it is often associated with wealthy, preppy characters in television shows and movies. However, this usage is not reflective of the true meaning or origin of the name.
The name Chad has been used with varying popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1914 and 1936, the number of births per year ranged from a low of 7 to a high of 22. However, starting in 1937, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Chad, with 18 births that year. This trend continued into the 1940s and 1950s, with the number of births per year ranging from 56 to 252.
The most notable increase occurred between 1952 and 1972, during which time the number of babies named Chad increased from 118 to 13,391. This represents a significant surge in popularity for the name during this period. However, after reaching its peak in 1972, the popularity of the name began to decline.
Between 1973 and 2022, the number of births per year for the name Chad fluctuated but remained relatively stable, ranging from a high of 12,885 births in 1973 to a low of 107 births in 2023. Overall, between 1914 and 2022, there were a total of 240,541 babies named Chad born in the United States.
It is interesting to note that despite fluctuations in popularity over the years, the name Chad has consistently been used as a boys' name in the United States. This indicates that the name has maintained its relevance and appeal among parents for many decades.