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Chase Unisex

Popularity: #168 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationchays / /tʃeɪs/

English; French

Meaning

English: hunter; French: to chase

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Chase has its roots in Old French, deriving from the word "chacier," which means "to hunt" or "to pursue." This term made its way into Middle English as "chace," referring to the act of hunting or the game being hunted. The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Old French words entered the English lexicon, particularly in the realms of law, art, and nature. The name Chase, as a given name, likely emerged from this hunting-related vocabulary, evolving from a surname to a first name in the later medieval period.

Historically, the name Chase has been associated with various figures and contexts. It appears in English records as a surname in the 13th century, often linked to individuals who were involved in hunting or who lived near hunting grounds. The name gained further prominence through its use in literature and by notable families, particularly during the Renaissance when surnames began to be adopted as first names. While there are no specific biblical figures or saints associated with the name, its connection to the noble pursuit of hunting aligns it with themes of chivalry and adventure prevalent in medieval literature.

Culturally, Chase evokes notions of pursuit and aspiration, resonating with ideals of ambition and the quest for success. This symbolic association has contributed to its endurance as a name over the centuries. Additionally, the name has a diminutive form, "Chas," which has been used informally in various contexts. Overall, Chase reflects a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, rooted in the historical practices of hunting and the values associated with it.

Trend Summary

Chase has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States, particularly since the 1990s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Chace

International Variants

  • Chas (English)
  • Chase (French)

Famous people named Chase

Chase Utley is a former professional baseball player best known for his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, winning the World Series, and being a six-time All-Star.

Chase Crawford is an actor best known for his roles in Gossip Girl, The Boys, and The Covenant.

Chase Rice is a country music singer and songwriter best known for his albums Ignite the Night, Lambs & Lions, and The Album.

Chase Daniel is a professional football player best known for his time in the NFL as a quarterback for several teams including the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears.

Fictional characters named Chase

Chase is a fictional character from the animated series Paw Patrol. He is a German Shepherd police dog who leads the team on various rescue missions.

Chase is a fictional character from the video game series Life is Strange. They are a key character who navigates the complexities of friendship and personal growth throughout the story.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Chase was first seen in the United States in 1885. Chase has ranked as high as #83 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Chase has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Chase (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 179
9%
CA 175
9%
PA 141
7%
FL 139
7%
TX 123
6%
OH 91
5%
GA 88
4%
MI 87
4%
NC 75
4%
IL 74
4%
MD 65
3%
VA 64
3%
MA 61
3%
CT 53
3%
MO 50
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18855
18905
19128
19146
191510
19178
19187
19197
19205
19216
192211
19236
19248
19258
19268
19277
19287
19305
19315
19325
19337
19365
19385
193911
19409
19425
194311
19456
19477
19487
194912
19509
19519
19529
19549
195510
19568
195711
19588
195913
196013
196117
196211
196317
196418
196530
196618
196727
196833
196932
197052
197164
197292
1973116
1974127
1975126
1976134
1977140
1978143
1979155
1980176
1981194
1982938
19831,823
19842,091
19852,130
19861,966
19872,068
19882,309
19892,866
19903,158
19913,225
19923,018
19933,023
19943,227
19953,917
19964,991
19974,963
19985,562
19995,223
20005,441
20015,199
20024,858
20035,014
20045,161
20055,199
20065,746
20076,159
20087,003
20097,393
20106,447
20116,201
20125,704
20135,554
20145,363
20155,387
20164,868
20174,183
20183,457
20193,170
20202,994
20212,933
20222,708
20232,385
20242,148