Slade

♂ Boy

Pronounced SLAYD /sleɪd/High

Meaning: Valley; flat-bottomed valley; from Old English slaed (valley, dell, wooded hollow)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English nature name meaning 'valley' or 'flat-bottomed hollow,' used as an English surname and now as a confident, edgy given name — associated with the British glam rock band Slade (1969–1992).

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningValley; flat-bottomed valley; from Old English slaed (valley, dell, wooded hollow)

U.S. rank (2025)#1055 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births208 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,092

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

Slade is an Old English surname from slaed (valley, dell). It was a topographic surname for families who lived in or near a valley. As a given name it is a modern American adoption, edgy and one-syllable.

Slade entered U.S. boys' charts in the 2000s. It ranked #1051 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody (1973) has charted in the UK Christmas top 10 more than any other song — it is the closest Britain has to an official Christmas anthem, and it has sold millions every December for over 50 years.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Slade — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Slade…

Slate— one-syllable natural material name with the same crisp, hard edge

Wade— one-syllable Old English water-crossing name with the same quiet rural heritage

Drake— one-syllable Old English name (male duck) with the same nature-rugged feel

Suede— shares the -de ending

Cayde— shares the -de ending

Explore names like Slade

By themeenglish nature surname-style one-syllable valley

By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Slade mean?

Slade means 'valley' or 'wooded hollow,' from Old English slaed (flat-bottomed valley, dell).

How do you pronounce Slade?

It's said SLAYD — one syllable, rhyming with 'blade.'

Is Slade a boy or girl name?

Slade is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Slade?

Slade ranked #1051 for U.S. boys in 2024.