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At a Glance
- Meaning
- A ford, or place to cross a river
- Origin
- Old English (surname)
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- WAYD
Wade traces back to an Old English surname meaning a ford, or a place to cross a river, giving it a natural tie to water and the outdoors. It's a classic, one-syllable name pronounced WAYD, with a simple, sturdy feel. If you like a name that sounds traditional but carries an earthy, outdoorsy undertone, Wade delivers both.
Meaning & Origin of Wade
Meaning: A ford, or place to cross a river.
Origin: Old English (surname).
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Wade
WAYDIPA /ˈweɪd/
Popularity of Wade
Wade hit its high point in 1966, ranking #183 with 1,359 boys given the name that year. By 2024 it had cooled to #341, with 1,009 boys named Wade.
Names Like Wade
Names with a similar style, era, origin or popularity history.
FAQ
What does the name Wade mean?
A ford, or place to cross a river. (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Wade?
Wade is pronounced WAYD (IPA: /ˈweɪd/).
Is Wade a popular name right now?
Wade peaked at #183 in 1966 and is ranked #341 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make Wade Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Wade, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
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