The surname Kade is of German origin, derived from a medieval nickname for a strong or vigorous person. It comes from the Middle High German word "kait" meaning power or strength. In some cases, it may also have been a metonymic occupational name for a builder or mason, from the Old High German word "hagin-kadiu," meaning corner-setter. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and variations, so this is just one of several potential explanations for the origin of the name Kade.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Kade
The surname Kade is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German name "Chadold" or "Katwald." These names were composed of the elements "hata," meaning battle, and "wald," meaning ruler or power. Over time, these names evolved into various forms such as Kathe, Kade, and Kaethe in different regions and countries. The spelling variation "Kade" is particularly common among Germans and those of German descent. As with many surnames, it was often adopted as a hereditary name during the Middle Ages when individuals were required to have a distinct family name to distinguish themselves from others.
Geographical distribution of the last name Kade
The surname Kade is predominantly found in Germany, where it originates as a variant of the original name Kade, which comes from the Old High German "Kada," meaning battle or warrior. Over time, the spelling has evolved to include variations such as Kadé and Kaede. In contemporary times, individuals with the surname Kade are found primarily in Germany, but also in other countries that have historical ties to German immigration, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The name is less common in other parts of the world. In the United States, it ranks around 64,000th in terms of most common surnames, according to data from 2010.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kade
The surname Kade has multiple variations and spellings due to phonetic changes and regional differences in transcription. Some common variations include Cade, Cadé, and Kaade. These variations may have arisen from slight differences in pronunciation or spelling over time, or from migration where the name was transcribed differently by officials in new countries. In addition, some individuals might intentionally change their surnames for personal reasons, further contributing to variants of the name Kade. Despite these variations, the root form of the name remains similar and is derived from Old English and Middle English origins meaning 'counsel' or 'advice'.
Famous people with the last name Kade
The Kade surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of academia, John C. Kade is renowned for his contributions to educational psychology as a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the founder of the Human Development Laboratory.
In the field of music, Sarah Kade is an accomplished operatic soprano who has performed leading roles in numerous productions worldwide. She is also known for her work with organizations such as Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and The Santa Fe Opera.
In politics, John A. Kade served as the U.S. Ambassador to Malta from 1994 to 1997 during the Clinton administration. Additionally, in the sports industry, Mike Kade was a professional baseball player who played for teams such as the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox in the 1960s and 1970s.
These individuals exemplify the diversity and accomplishments of those bearing the surname Kade across various fields of endeavor.
Genealogical research on the last name Kade
The surname Kade originates from Germany and is derived from various regional place names, most notably "Kade" in Lower Saxony, which means "river meadow." Early records show that the name was brought to England by German immigrants during the 17th century. In America, the name has been found predominantly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana due to the arrival of early settlers from Germany. Some notable individuals with the surname Kade include Carl Kade, a professor at the University of Chicago, and Henry H. Kade, a Union general during the American Civil War. The surname Kade has variations such as Kaade, Kadde, Kadd, and Kadda, among others, which may also be found in genealogical records.
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