Origin and Meaning of Thad

Meaning & Origin

Courageous heart

Origin: Greek - Thad is often considered a short form of Thaddeus, which comes from the Aramaic word 'taddai' meaning 'heart' or 'courageous.'

Interesting Facts

  • Thad is associated with Saint Thaddeus, one of the apostles of Jesus, making it a name with notable religious significance.
  • In various cultures, Thad tends to receive different pairings, often being used as a nickname or diminutive for longer names such as Thaddeus or Thaddea.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Thad Cochran, an American politician who served as a United States Senator, and Thad Jones, an influential jazz trumpeter and composer.
  • The popularity of the name Thad has fluctuated, with a noticeable presence in the mid-20th century but less common in recent years.
  • Related names and variations include Thaddeus, Tadeo (Spanish), and Tadhg (Irish), which shares a similar etymological root.