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).
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
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Famous Bearers
Famous bearers coming soon.
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
