Tad
Tad is a boy's name of Aramaic origin.
Meaning
Heart or courageous heart.
Origin and history
Tad originated primarily as a short form of Thaddeus, which derives from an Aramaic name meaning 'heart' or 'courageous'. It can also stand independently as an English given name. While moderate in popularity during the mid-20th century, it is now relatively rare in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
6,929 babies in the United States have been named Tad since 1880. It ranks #1446 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1857.
States where it is most popular
- CA (17.1 %)
- IL (10.8 %)
- OH (9.9 %)
- MI (7.6 %)
- TX (7.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 37 |
| 1920-1930 | 96 |
| 1930-1940 | 123 |
| 1940-1950 | 201 |
| 1950-1960 | 802 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,862 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,542 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,035 |
| 1990-2000 | 673 |
| 2000-2010 | 318 |
| 2010-2019 | 170 |
| 2020-2029 | 70 |
Fun facts
- Although frequently used as an independent given name, Tad traditionally developed as a short form of Thaddeus or Thomas.
- One of the most famous historical uses was the nickname given by President Abraham Lincoln to his youngest son, Thomas 'Tad' Lincoln.