The name Rad is of German origin and it means "happy". It is a short form of the German given name Radiant which means "shining" or "radiating happiness".
Rad has been used as a boys' name in Germany for centuries, but it gained popularity worldwide thanks to the character Radagast the Brown from J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy series The Lord of the Rings.
The name Rad is often associated with happiness and positivity due to its meaning. It is a unique and distinctive name that stands out among more traditional names. It is also easy to spell and pronounce, making it a practical choice for parents looking for something different.
Overall, Rad is a charming and meaningful name with a rich history behind it. Its German origins give it an exotic touch, while its meaning makes it a symbol of joy and light. Whether you're drawn to its cultural significance or its positive connotation, Rad is a name that deserves consideration.
Here are some interesting statistics regarding the name Rad in the United States:
In 1948, there were 5 babies named Rad born in the U.S. The number of births increased to 6 in both 1952 and 1954, before dropping back down to 5 in 1957.
After a decade with fewer than 10 births per year, the name Rad started to gain some traction again. In 1963, there were 9 babies named Rad born in the U.S., which was followed by another spell of lower birth numbers until the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The name Rad experienced a bit of a resurgence in the mid-1980s, with 7 births each year from 1985 to 1987. However, it once again fell out of favor, with only 5 or 6 babies named Rad born annually between 1989 and 2013.
Since then, the name Rad has seen a steady increase in popularity. There were 7 births each year from 2014 to 2017, followed by a record-breaking 17 births in 2023. This recent surge suggests that Rad may be on its way to becoming more popular once again.
In total, there have been 193 babies named Rad born in the United States since records began being kept in 1948.