Thaddaeus

Thaddaeus is a masculine name with ancient roots, derived from the Aramaic name Thaddai, possibly meaning 'heart' or 'courageous'. It appears in the New Testament as one of Jesus's twelve apostles (also known as Jude or Judas, not Iscariot). The name carries a sense of historical gravitas and religious significance. Thaddaeus has never been extremely common, but maintains a steady presence among families seeking traditional biblical names with distinguished character. The spelling with '-aeus' ending gives it a classical, scholarly feel compared to the simpler variant Thaddeus. Parents might choose this name for its combination of strength, historical depth, and relative uniqueness. Its biblical connections make it particularly appealing in religious communities, while its distinctive sound works well across cultural contexts.

Pronounced thuh-DEE-us.

As of October 2026, Thaddaeus ranked #8185 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2271 in 1978.