Shade

♂ Boy

Pronounced SHAYD /ˈʃeɪd/High

Meaning: From the word shade — 'shadow; shelter from light/heat' (Old English sceadu); also a pet form of the Yoruba Folashade ('honour confers a crown'); here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Shadow; shelter: Shade is the word-name 'shade' (and a Yoruba Folashade pet). Cool, sleek, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowEnglish, Yoruba

MeaningFrom the word shade — 'shadow; shelter from light/heat' (Old English sceadu); also a pet form of the Yoruba Folashade ('honour confers a crown'); here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5602 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1997

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,144

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 comes from the word shade — 'shadow; cool shelter from light and heat' (Old English sceadu) — and it also serves as a pet form of the Yoruba Folashade, 'honour confers a crown' (routes layered, which we note). A cool, sleek, modern word-name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; said 'SHAYD').

It registers thinly in records. Rare, shadow-and-shelter at the root, and cool.

Did you know? Shade means 'shadow; shelter from the sun' (Old English sceadu) — and is also a pet form of the Yoruba Folashade, 'honour confers a crown' — a cool, sleek word-name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'SHAYD').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — shade — routes layered

Variations

ShadéShaid

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Shade…

Blade— a fellow bold one-syllable name

Sage— a companion word-name

Jade— another short word-name

Suede— a fellow English choice

Slade— shares Shade's English roots

Explore names like Shade

By themeuncertain english word-name unisex light yoruba

By meaningLight Royal / Noble Honor

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Shade mean?

Shade is the word for 'shadow; shelter from the sun', and a pet of the Yoruba Folashade; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Shade?

It's said SHAYD /ˈʃeɪd/ — one syllable.

Is Shade a boy or girl name?

Shade is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Shade?

Shade is a very rare name in the U.S.