Thaddeus

Thaddeus is a male given name of biblical origin. In the New Testament, Thaddaeus appears as one of the Twelve Apostles, and in some traditions he is identified with Jude the Apostle, sometimes called Jude Thaddaeus or Judas Thaddaeus. The exact etymology of the name is uncertain, but popular tradition connects it to an Aramaic form meaning “gift of God” or to meanings related to favor or beloved.

In Christian tradition, Thaddeus is venerated as a saint, and Jude Thaddaeus is widely recognized as the patron saint of lost causes in the Catholic Church. Feast days are observed on various dates depending on the liturgical calendar, with October 28 commonly associated with Jude Thaddaeus in many Western rites.

As an English given name, Thaddeus has been used since the 18th or 19th century and is sometimes shortened to Thad. Notable people with the name include Thaddeus Stevens, a 19th-century American politician and abolitionist known for his role in shaping Reconstruction-era policy, and Thaddeus Young, a contemporary American professional basketball player.

Beyond individuals, the name appears in literature and fiction, and it has several variant spellings such as Thaddaeus and Thaddaios. Diminutives and alternate forms include Tad and Thad, which are commonly used in informal contexts.

See also Jude, Judas Thaddaeus, Addai, and related variants.