Chase

♂ Boy

Pronounced CHAYS /tʃeɪs/High

Meaning: Hunter, huntsman — from Old French chacier (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 chacier (to chase, to hunt), entering English as an occupational surname

U.S. rank (2025)#192 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births1,904 boys (0.11% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 181,120

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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

Jayse— a fellow English choice

Case— echoes that soft -se sound

Kase— echoes that soft -se sound

Cove— shares Chase's English roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Chase mean?

Chase comes from the Old French chacier 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.