Blade is a unique and striking masculine given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are closely tied to the word "blade" itself, which refers to the sharp, flat edge of a knife or sword. This name is often associated with strength, power, and sharpness.
The use of Blade as a given name may have originated in medieval England, where it was perhaps used as an occupational surname for those who worked with blades, such as blacksmiths or cutlers. However, there is no definitive record of Blade being used as a given name until the late 19th century.
One of the earliest known uses of Blade as a given name in America was in the late 1800s, when it was given to a child born in Illinois. Since then, its use has remained relatively rare but not entirely unheard of. In recent years, there has been a slight increase in its popularity, possibly due to its distinctive sound and association with strength.
Blade is also associated with the Marvel Comics character Blade, a half-human, half-vampire superhero who first appeared in 1973. This character's name likely contributed to an increased awareness of this unique given name, although it is uncertain whether this has led to an increase in its use as a given name.
Overall, Blade is a striking and unusual masculine given name with a strong association with strength and sharpness. Its origins are tied to the English word "blade," but its history as a given name remains relatively sparse and undocumented until the late 19th century. Despite its rarity, this unique name has been used sparingly throughout the years and continues to be an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Blade has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1982, there were only 7 babies named Blade. However, by 1993, this number had increased significantly to 72 births.
The peak of popularity for the name Blade was reached in 1994 with a total of 93 births. This high point was maintained for several years, with 89 births in 1995 and 100 births in 1996. The name continued to be popular throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, with over 80 births each year from 1997 to 2003.
However, after 2003, the popularity of the name Blade began to decline. There were only 62 births in 2004, and this number continued to decrease in the following years, reaching a low point of 22 births in 2017. Despite this decrease in popularity, the name Blade has maintained some level of consistency, with between 20 and 50 births each year since 2008.
As of 2023, there have been a total of 2077 babies named Blade born in the United States. While the name's popularity has fluctuated over the years, it remains a unique choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name.