Updated: 09/15
Jade ~ Gemstone ~ English originI became more aware of this name when I met a friendly, cool pharmacist about the age of 25. She handed me my prescription with such grace that I immediately thought, "I love the name Jade."
History and Symbolism
As a stone, jade has special significance in Chinese culture and history. It was used to create the finest objects and art for the empire, in the way that we consider gold or diamonds to be the ultimate markers of luxury and rarity in the west. The Chinese character for jade 玉 is very similar to the character for king 王. It denotes royalty, wisdom, and wealth.
Popularity
Jade has found a home in the top 1,000 names for girls around the 130 mark.
This name is doing well, particularly because variations of the name Jaden are taking parents-to-be by storm. It has a sound we're drawn to, and it's a modern choice, but not without history and cultural significance.
It's a great gem name with sparkling personality that will be easy for others to remember after meeting your baby Jade for the first time. I speak from experience!
- Jade was ranked at 113 for 2007, now ranked at 139 for 2014
- Jade is the baby name chosen by the following celebs:
- Giada De Laurentiis, chef
- Howard Stern, "uncensored" radio personality
- Mick Jagger, vocalist in The Rolling Stones
- Jeanie Clark, wrestling manager (Jade was adopted by Steve Austin, pro wrestler)
I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteUna has a "Jade" and a "Jayden" (both girls) in her kindergarten class, and a little boy named Jayden just came to church on Sunday....you're right, those names are making the rounds.