Jayde

Jayde is an elaborate Americanized respelling of Jade. The name Jade means “bowels” but before we scare you off, we promise it gets better. Jade is obviously the name of a precious stone; it’s derived from the Spanish words “(piedra de) ijada” that literally translates to “(stone of the) bowels” (from the Latin “ileum” meaning “guts, intestines”). This ancient stone was thought to protect against intestinal or stomach complaints; hence the name. The gemstone jade is also known for its properties in attracting love and/or money. In China, the Jade stone is especially considered a good omen for love when it’s carved into the shape of a butterfly. Gemstone names like Pearl and Ruby became fashionable name choices in the late 19th century, but the green gemstone of Jade didn’t come onto the naming scene until much later in the 20th century. Once Jade became a stylish name choice in the late 1990s some North American parents began spelling it Jayde.