Thad

Thad is a masculine given name, commonly a short form of Thaddeus. It is used in English-speaking countries and may be given as a standalone name. The name Thaddeus is of ancient origin and is usually linked to the apostle Thaddaeus (also Jude Thaddeus) in the New Testament; etymology is uncertain, but it is commonly associated with Aramaic roots meaning “gift of God.”

Notable people named Thad include Thad Cochran, a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Mississippi; Thad Matta, an American college basketball coach and former head coach at Ohio State University; and Thad Luckinbill, an American actor known for his work on daytime soap operas. The name also appears in fiction, for example Thad Castle, a central character in the comedy series Blue Mountain State.

Usage notes: Thad is typically a nickname for Thaddeus, though it is widely used as a given name in its own right. Some individuals named Thaddeus may go by Thad in professional or social contexts, while others are officially credited as Thad at birth. Variants and related names include Tad, Thaddeus, and other short forms.