Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Chad

Chad is the modern form of an Olde English personal name Ceadda. Although the origin is not entirely certain, most etymologists believe it was borrowed from the Celtic/Welsh word “cad” meaning "battle". Ceadda was borne by an early 7th century English saint, known more commonly by his modern English name Chad of Mercia (634-672). St. Chad was probably of mixed Anglo-Saxon-Celtic race. He trained under St. Aidan at a Celtic monastery in Lindisfarne remotely located in a far northeastern corner of England. Chad was eventually appointed the bishop of Mercia and, along with his brother, is largely credited with introducing Christianity to the kingdoms of Mercia and Lindsey. As a prominent and effective churchman, Chad was eventually canonized. He is the patron saint of Mercia and his feast day is March 2. Aside from Chad’s English origins, it is also the name of an African country. The Republic of Chad is located in the “dead heart of Africa”. Apparently the country of Chad got its name from Lake Chad meaning “large expanse of water” in the local dialect (as a landlocked country in a challenging climate, we could see why the natives might appreciate a large lake!). In this regard, Chad could also be considered a place name.

All About the Baby Name – Chad

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME CHAD

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME CHAD

Although Ceadda is an ancient name in England, the modern variation of Chad did not jump the pond over to America until the latter half of the 20th century. Chad first appeared on the U.S. male naming charts in 1945 and within 25 years, he became a Top 100 favorite in America. Quite a triumphant entry! Chad’s glory days were during the 1970s and early 80s when he was often a Top 50 choice. The highest point Chad ever achieved on the charts was between 1972 and 1973 when he was the 25th most commonly used boy’s name in the country. Chad finally fell off the Top 100 list in 1991 and he’s been slipping in popularity ever since. No longer fashionable and trendy as he once was, Chad is now falling to levels at the lower end of moderation. We would categorize Chad as a “wealthy” sounding name. It makes us picture Chad with his friends Chip, Chet, Chauncey and Chase running around the halls of an all-boy’s highfalutin prep school before lacrosse practice. Yet the name is still classically handsome if a slightly bit pompous and WASP-y. It’s a simple, one-syllable intelligent sounding name. Some people might argue that Chad is…well, Chad is rad. So don’t “battle” with this one.

Quick Facts

ON CHAD

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

667

PRONUNCIATION:

CHAD

SIMPLE MEANING:

Battle

Characteristics

OF CHAD

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Chad

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CHAD

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Chad

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CHAD

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Chad


Popular Songs

ON CHAD

The Stupid Chad
a song by Name Taken

The Chad Who Loved Me
a song by Mansun

Chad Valley
a song by Finley Quaye

Famous People

NAMED CHAD

Chad Michael Murray (actor)
Chad Kroeger (musician)
Chad Smith (musician)
Chad Hedrick (Olympic speed skater)
Chad McQueen (actor)
Chad Hurley (one of the creators of YouTube)
Chad Ochocinco (football player)
Chad Allen (actor)
Chad Durbin (baseball player)
Chad Henne (football player)
Chad Pennington (football player)
Chad Johnson (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CHAD

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Chad

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CHAD

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Chad