Wade

boyOld English

Wade is an boy name of Old English origin, meaning “Ford, river crossing”.

MeaningFord, river crossing
GenderBoy
OriginOld English
PronunciationWAYD
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Australia, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Wade

Wade comes from an English surname based on Old English wadan 'to go, to wade', referring to someone living near a ford. Wade was also the name of a giant in medieval English and Germanic legend, the father of Wayland the smith. It became a given name in the twentieth century, especially in the United States and Australia.

Is Wade a religious name?

Wade is a general name from a surname and has no religious background.

How popular is Wade?

Moderately used, most common in the late twentieth century.

Gifts with the name Wade

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Spellings and variants of Wade

Wada

Names similar to Wade

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Wade mean?

Wade means 'Ford, river crossing'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Wade have a religious meaning?

Wade is a general name from a surname and has no religious background.

How do you pronounce Wade?

Wade is pronounced WAYD.

Is Wade a boy or girl name?

Wade is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.