Cade is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Cathal. Cathal is composed of two elements: "cath" meaning "battle," and " Aidh," which means "formidable." Thus, Cade translates to "formidable in battle."
The name Cathal has been popular among the Irish for centuries, with several notable figures bearing this name throughout history. One famous example is Cathal mac Aeda Ua Conchobair, who was King of Connacht from 1135 to 1142.
Cade as an independent given name has gained popularity in recent years outside of Ireland, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and England. While it may not have the same historical significance as its Irish counterpart Cathal, Cade has nonetheless made a unique mark on modern naming trends due to its distinctive sound and strong meaning.
In summary, Cade is an Irish name with a powerful meaning, derived from the longer form Cathal. Its rich history and appealing sound make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a meaningful yet uncommon given name for their child.
The name Cade experienced significant growth in popularity from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, with a peak of 1811 births in 2001. However, it has since seen a gradual decline, with only 697 births recorded in 2017 and a recent increase to 1214 births in 2023. Over the entire period from 1953 to 2023, there were a total of 32,109 births with the name Cade.