Home › Baby Names Directory › Shade
Shade
Pronounced SHAYD /ˈʃeɪd/Medium
Meaning: The English word shade ('shelter from light; a hue'); also a Yoruba name, a short form of Folashade, 'honour confers a crown' (pronounced SHAH-day). The Yoruba route is given respectfully, the English word plainly.Low
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
Shade is the English word ('shelter from light'), and also a Yoruba name, a short form of Folashade, 'honour confers a crown' (traditionally SHAH-day). Both routes are noted — the Yoruba respectfully, the English plainly — rare in the U.S. (said 'SHAYD').
In the U.S. it appears rarely. Rare, cool, and cross-cultural.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Shade…
Explore names like Shade
Frequently Asked
What does the name Shade mean?
Shade is the English word ('shelter from light'); it is also a Yoruba name, short for Folashade, 'honour confers a crown.'
How do you pronounce Shade?
It's said SHAYD /ˈʃeɪd/ — one syllable; the Yoruba name is SHAH-day.
Is Shade a boy or girl name?
Shade is a girl's name here; the word reads unisex.
How popular is Shade?
Shade is rare in the U.S.