Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Thaddeus
BoyAramaic, Greek
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Aramaic, Greek
- Pronunciation
- THAD-ee-uhs
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #798
- US babies 2025
- 314
- Best rank
- #307 (1918)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Thaddeus
Thaddeus is usually linked to Aramaic and Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Thaddeus is the name of one of the twelve apostles in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, usually identified with Saint Jude. Its origin is uncertain: it may come from an Aramaic word meaning heart or breast, or it may be connected with the Greek Theodotos or Theodoros, meaning gift of God. The name has long been used in Poland as Tadeusz, carried by the national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, who also fought in the American Revolution. Thaddeus Stevens was a leading American abolitionist. The name feels distinguished, with Thad and Teddy as nicknames.
Popularity over time
Thaddeus has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 144 different years. Its best national rank was #307 in 1918, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 416 were named Thaddeus. In 2025, 314 babies were named Thaddeus, and it ranked #798 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #337 in 1920, #456 in 1950, #528 in 1980, #764 in 2000, #994 in 2010, and #798 in 2025. Of the 26,057 US boys named Thaddeus since records began, 12% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 2,890 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Titan, Langston, Zechariah, Bronson, and Canaan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Thaddeus ranked highest in Nebraska, Kansas, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | #427 | 6 |
| Kansas | #464 | 8 |
| Idaho | #482 | 5 |
| Colorado | #498 | 12 |
| Pennsylvania | #522 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Thaddeus is usually pronounced THAD-ee-uhs, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with T and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Thaddeus
A few middle names that flow with Thaddeus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Thaddeus
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Lists that include Thaddeus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Thaddeus mean?
Thaddeus is usually linked to Aramaic and Greek roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Thaddeus?
Thaddeus has Aramaic and Greek roots. Thaddeus is the name of one of the twelve apostles in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, usually identified with Saint Jude.
Is Thaddeus a popular name?
Yes. Thaddeus ranked #798 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Thaddeus a boy or girl name?
Thaddeus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Thaddeus?
Thaddeus is usually pronounced THAD-ee-uhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings