Ceadda

Originated in pre-Celtic languages. Evolution of this root name, Cad - meaning "warrior" or "battle" (leader), is represented in Old English as Ceadda, Welsh as Cade, and similar. Ultimately, English speaking Britons penned the name as Chad, however it is likely that the "ch" spelling is representative of earlier pronunciations, as there is no evidence that name pronunciation saw any significant morphology over the centuries. Ceadda/Chad/Cad was often a name reserved for a tribal battle king and served also as an honorary title; this name appears to have only been used by ruling/noble families until the middle ages, when the name fell in use. It arose with considerable significance in the 1960's/1970's as a result of parents searching for a "new" "hip" name for their sons, one steeped in historical meaning. Chad burst back on the scene & was first seen used in the California "surfer"-culture in the 60's & 70's.