Thaddeus

#88 in Kansas

Meaning of Thaddeus

Thaddeus—pronounced THAD-ee-uhs—is the Latin Thaddaeus, a rendering of the Aramaic Taddai that scholars link to the idea of a “courageous heart” or “gift of God.” The name entered the Western canon through the New Testament, where the Apostle Jude Thaddeus stands as an emblem of perseverance; in Catholic tradition he became the patron of desperate causes, giving the name a quiet aura of resolve. Classical writers favored its sonorous rhythm, and the Polish form Tadeusz gained literary stature in Adam Mickiewicz’s national epic “Pan Tadeusz,” reinforcing its cultured pedigree. In the United States, Thaddeus has moved steadily—if modestly—through the Social Security charts for more than a century, hovering in the mid-hundreds today, a pattern that suggests enduring niche appeal rather than fleeting fashion. For parents seeking a timeless choice with scriptural roots, Latinate polish, and a subtle message of heart-driven courage, Thaddeus offers a well-rounded answer.

Pronunciation

English

  • Pronunced as THAD-ee-uhs (/θæˈdiəs/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Notable People Named Thaddeus

Thaddeus Stevens was a Radical Republican leader who fought to end slavery and secure equal rights during Reconstruction.
Thaddeus Leavitt was an American merchant who invented an improved cotton gin and played key roles in land acquisition, banking, and shipping ventures.
Thaddeus Charles Young Sr. is an American professional basketball player who was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2007 and last played for the Phoenix Suns.
Thaddeus Ma Daqin served as the Bishop of Shanghai from 2014 to 2023.
Thaddeus Jones is a Democratic politician serving as both the Illinois state representative for the 29th district and the mayor of Calumet City.
American psychologist Thaddeus Lincoln Bolton led Temple University's Psychology Department for twenty years and established a trust fund for a professorship in his name.
Thaddeus Francis O'Rourke -
Thaddeus Mason Harris -
Thaddeus Okolo -
Thaddeus Cahill -
Thaddeus Cho Hwan-kil -
Thaddeus F. Malanowski -
Thaddeus Betts -
Thaddeus Lê Hữu Từ -
Thaddeus of Vitovnica -
Elena Torres
Curated byElena Torres

Assistant Editor