Shad Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: shad //ʃæd//
Origin: Hebrew; English
Meaning: Hebrew: 'the one who is praised'; English: 'a type of fish'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shad has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the word "shad" (שָׁד), which translates to "breast" or "nourishment." This etymology reflects a deeper connotation of sustenance and nurturing, linking the name to themes of care and provision. The name entered the English language through the Old Testament, where it is associated with the biblical figure Shadrach, one of the three young men thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar II, as recounted in the Book of Daniel, which is part of the Hebrew Bible and later the Christian Old Testament.
The story of Shadrach, along with his companions Meshach and Abednego, is significant in the context of faith and divine protection, dating back to the 6th century BCE. Historically, the name Shad has been noted in various translations of the Bible, including the Septuagint and the Vulgate, which helped to disseminate its usage in Christian contexts.
The name's association with Shadrach has contributed to its recognition in religious and literary traditions, particularly during the Renaissance when biblical names saw a resurgence in popularity due to the Reformation and the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages. The King James Version of the Bible, published in 1611, further solidified the name's presence in English-speaking cultures.
Culturally, Shad carries connotations of strength and resilience, reflecting the character of Shadrach in the biblical narrative. The name's enduring significance is also tied to its representation of faith in the face of adversity.
While diminutive forms or variations such as Shaddy may exist, the name Shad itself remains a distinct representation of its historical and cultural roots, embodying themes of protection and nourishment that resonate through its biblical associations.
Famous people named Shad
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shad was first seen in the United States in 1940. Shad has ranked as high as #747 nationally, which occurred in 1971, and has been most popular in California, Utah, Ohio, Washington, and Indiana. In the past 5 years the name Shad has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Shad (2011)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| UT | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1940 | 5 |
| 1956 | 5 |
| 1958 | 6 |
| 1959 | 10 |
| 1960 | 7 |
| 1961 | 11 |
| 1962 | 10 |
| 1963 | 20 |
| 1964 | 30 |
| 1965 | 41 |
| 1966 | 47 |
| 1967 | 62 |
| 1968 | 64 |
| 1969 | 96 |
| 1970 | 175 |
| 1971 | 406 |
| 1972 | 381 |
| 1973 | 317 |
| 1974 | 316 |
| 1975 | 261 |
| 1976 | 199 |
| 1977 | 196 |
| 1978 | 181 |
| 1979 | 150 |
| 1980 | 118 |
| 1981 | 102 |
| 1982 | 97 |
| 1983 | 77 |
| 1984 | 52 |
| 1985 | 65 |
| 1986 | 49 |
| 1987 | 57 |
| 1988 | 60 |
| 1989 | 49 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 50 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 56 |
| 1994 | 67 |
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 55 |
| 1997 | 48 |
| 1998 | 45 |
| 1999 | 45 |
| 2000 | 53 |
| 2001 | 37 |
| 2002 | 38 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 32 |
| 2005 | 39 |
| 2006 | 30 |
| 2007 | 21 |
| 2008 | 37 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 26 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 15 |