Name: Chadwick
Meaning: “from the warrior’s town” or “from the dairy farm”
Origin: English
Current Popularity: not currently ranked; last in the top 1000 in 1996
Chadwick is a name fit for a lord (or a king of Wakanda). It experienced popularity from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s, falling out of the rankings at the same time that similar name Chad began its decline. We sense it may find a resurgence soon, in large part because of the shocking passing of actor Chadwick Boseman from colorectal cancer in August of 2020. Boseman, who powerfully portrayed the superhero Black Panther, may inspire new and expecting parents to select this name, inspired by the heroism he brought to his on-screen roles and to the heroism he showed in real life.
Nickname Potential: Chad, Chaddy, Wick
Associations: Actor Chadwick Boseman brought this name back to the forefront of our collective attention, but there are many notable politicians, artists, and athletes with Chadwick as a last name.
Similar Names: Archer, Barrett, Bradford, Calder, Charles, Clarence, Delvin, Emerson, Everton, Franklin, Haywood, Remington, Sayer, Sherman, Weston
Why We Love It: We love this name in its full, glorious form. Where Chad gives off a bit of a surfer vibe and feels locked in to the 1970s (it was ranked #25 from 1972–1973!), Chadwick’s formality gives it a timeless appeal.
Who Might Like It: Lovers of the sophisticated surname style or grandmillennials looking for something vintage and ornate may be drawn to the charm of Chadwick. Of course, for Black Panther fans, the name will always have superhero connotations—which is hardly a bad thing. Boseman’s popularity has helped bring this underused name into the present day and may give it a boost in the rankings in the near future. And, who knows, we may see a rise in baby Chadwicks decades from now when the youngest superhero lovers have kids of their own.