Thaddeous is a rare and unique given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek name Theodore, which means "gift of God." In Greek mythology, Saint Theodore was a Christian martyr who was tortured for his faith during the reign of Emperor Galerius Maximus in the early fourth century.
The name Thaddeous has been used throughout history, but it was particularly popular among European nobility. For instance, King Charles II of Sweden had a brother named Thaddeus who was Duke of Vasterbotten. Additionally, Thaddeus of Poland was a 14th-century nobleman and knight who played a significant role in the foundation of the city of Warsaw.
Despite its ancient roots, the name Thaddeous is not particularly common today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only five boys were named Thaddeous in 2019, making it one of the rarest names given that year.
Overall, the name Thaddeous has a rich history and an interesting origin story, making it a unique choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Thaddeous has seen a varied level of popularity over the past several decades in the United States. In the years between 1962 and 2002, there were a total of 45 births registered with this name.
During this period, there were seven years where at least five babies were named Thaddeous:
* Five births were recorded in both 1962 and 1973.
* There was another surge in popularity between 1981 and 1989, with five births each year except for 1989, which saw eight births.
The highest number of births recorded in a single year was eight in 2002. The name Thaddeous also experienced a brief peak during the mid-1990s, with seven births registered both in 1993 and 1995.
Overall, while not one of the most common names, Thaddeous has had some periods of popularity over the years in the United States.