What does Ladd mean and where does it come from?
Ladd is an English surname that has transitioned into a first name, primarily in the United States. Historically, the word 'lad' referred to a young man or boy, and in some contexts, it indicated a servant or a lad of the household. This name has Scottish roots and is sometimes found in Scottish sur
Cultural significance
Ladd has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of young man, lad.
Peak popularity
Reached #1245 in 1967 — currently #5168 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Ladd?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Ladd?
Ladd works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ladd Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ladd Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ladd Claire
French influence · crisp
Ladd Jane
Literary · strong
Ladd Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ladd right now?
Rising fast — up 1893 spots — currently #5168 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5168 | 19 | ▲ up 1893 · +58% births |
| 2022 | #7061 | 12 | ▼ down 1378 · -25% births |
| 2021 | #5683 | 16 | ▼ down 2 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #5681 | 15 | ▼ down 375 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #5306 | 17 | ▲ up 2430 · +89% births |
| 2005 | #7736 | 9 | ▼ down 818 |
| 2000 | #6918 | 9 | ▲ up 2116 · +80% births |
| 1995 | #9034 | 5 | ▼ down 3970 · -50% births |
| 1990 | #5064 | 10 | ▲ up 225 · +43% births |
| 1985 | #5289 | 7 | ▼ down 1978 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #3311 | 13 | ▲ up 449 · +44% births |
| 1975 | #3760 | 9 | ▼ down 2120 · -68% births |
| 1970 | #1640 | 28 | ▲ up 11 · +22% births |
| 1965 | #1651 | 23 | ▲ up 29 · -4% births |
| 1960 | #1680 | 24 | — |
The story of Ladd
Ladd entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 1,235 total births recorded, Ladd remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3762 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5168 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ladd in 1967:
Ladd by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 20 | |
| 1920s | 49 | |
| 1930s | 54 | |
| 1940s | 160 | |
| 1950s | 180 | |
| 1960s ★ | 242 | |
| 1970s | 134 | |
| 1980s | 99 | |
| 1990s | 64 | |
| 2000s | 76 | |
| 2010s | 142 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎With 1,235 total births, Ladd is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Ladd?
What names sound and feel like Ladd?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ladd also consider these
Common questions about the name Ladd
What does the name Ladd mean?
Ladd means "young man, lad" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ladd?
Ladd is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Ladd?
Ladd originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ladd?
Ladd is a one-syllable name pronounced L AE1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Ladd sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Ladd flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Ladd ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.