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Chase

♂ Boy

Pronounced CHAYS /tʃeɪs/High

Meaning: Hunter, huntsman — from Old French <em>chacier</em> (to chase, to hunt), entering English as an occupational surnameHigh

In 30 seconds: From the Old French for 'to hunt,' Chase is a punchy one-syllable surname-name projecting energy and athleticism. It has been a steady top-100 boys' name since the 1980s.
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Origin HighOld French, English
MeaningHunter, huntsman — from Old French <em>chacier</em> (to chase, to hunt), entering English as an occupational surname
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 159,248

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200918852017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Chase derives from the Old French verb chacier (to hunt, to chase), related to the Latin captiare. As an English occupational surname, it identified huntsmen or gamekeepers. The surname was borne by several prominent Americans, most notably Salmon P. Chase, Lincoln's Treasury Secretary and the sixth Chief Justice of the United States.

Chase transitioned from surname to given name in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century, becoming a top-100 boys' name in the 1990s. Its one-syllable punch, action-word energy, and sporty associations have kept it popular. It fits comfortably alongside names like Blake, Bryce, and Drake.

Did you know? Salmon P. Chase (1808–1873) was Lincoln's Treasury Secretary and later Chief Justice — his face appeared on the original $10,000 bill, and JPMorgan Chase bank bears his name today.

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Salmon P. Chase (1808–1873)
    U.S. Treasury Secretary under Lincoln and sixth Chief Justice; JPMorgan Chase bank is named partly in his honour.

If you like Chase…

Blake— one-syllable surname-name with the same cool, sporty American energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Chase mean?

Chase comes from the Old French <em>chacier</em> meaning 'to hunt,' originally an occupational surname for huntsmen.

How do you pronounce Chase?

Chase is pronounced CHAYS /tʃeɪs/ — one syllable.

Is Chase a boy or girl name?

Chase is used primarily as a boys' name in the U.S.

How popular is Chase?

Chase has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name since the 1990s.