Meade is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Meadha, which is believed to mean 'happy' or 'joyful'. The name gained prominence in the United States during the 19th century, with notable bearers including astronomer Asaph Hall Meade, who discovered the moons of Mars, and military officer George Meade, a prominent figure in the American Civil War. The name Meade is often associated with these historical figures, contributing to its unique appeal.
The name Meade experienced varying popularity throughout the century, with a peak of 20 births in 1918 and 1921. However, it declined significantly from the 1930s onwards, with fewer than 10 births per year consistently until the late 1940s. From the 1950s to present day, Meade has remained relatively uncommon, with an average of around 6 births per year. Overall, there were a total of 515 recorded births with the name Meade between 1913 and 2013.