"jade stone, precious green gemstone"
Jade
Pronunciation: [ j-AYD ]
One syllable, two cultures, a thousand years of meaning
Meaning & Origin
"stone of the side, healing stone"
"precious green stone"
"stone of the flank"
The Story of Jade
Jade comes from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada,' meaning 'stone of the flank' — Spanish explorers in the Americas believed jade could cure kidney disease. The stone itself has been prized across East Asia, Mesoamerica, and Europe for millennia. As a given name, Jade emerged in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century, evoking both the precious stone and the color.
Jade entered mainstream American usage in the 1970s-80s and peaked in the 1990s. Mick Jagger's daughter Jade Jagger, born 1971, was one of the earliest high-profile uses. The name has remained consistently popular, appealing to parents who want a one-syllable gem name that is sharper and less frilly than Ruby or Pearl.
In Chinese culture, jade (yù, 玉) is more than a gemstone — it represents virtue, beauty, and moral purity. Emperors were buried in jade suits, and the stone is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy and art. This cross-cultural resonance makes Jade a name with genuine global depth.
Fun Facts
- In Chinese culture, jade has been considered more valuable than gold for over 5,000 years
- The word 'jade' comes from Spanish explorers' belief that the stone cured kidney pain (piedra de ijada = stone of the flank)
- Jade Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger, is one of fashion's most prominent Jades
Jade in Other Languages
Famous People Named Jade
Jade Pettyjohn
Actor
1999
American actress known for School of Rock on Nickelodeon and Little Fires Everywhere
Jade Thirlwall
Musician
1992
English singer and member of the pop group Little Mix, known for hits like Shout Out to My Ex
Jade Jagger
Artist
1971
British jewelry designer and model, daughter of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and actress Bianca Jagger
Jade (Victorious) Fictional
Other
The edgy, sarcastic antagonist in the Nickelodeon series Victorious, known for her dark aesthetic and surprisingly layer...
The edgy, sarcastic antagonist in the Nickelodeon series Victorious, known for her dark aesthetic and surprisingly layered personality
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #84
- Total SSA Count
- 2,931
- Cultural Origins
- English Spanish Chinese American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Jade is also used as a boy name, ranked #2444.
View Jade as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jade
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About the Name Jade
Jade is a girl name with English, Spanish, Chinese, and American origins . The name means "jade stone, precious green gemstone" in Spanish (via French l'ejade) .
Is Jade a boy or girl name? Jade is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #84 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,444. Jade is more commonly used as a girl name.
Jade is currently ranked #84 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jade has 1 syllable and is pronounced j-AYD, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Jade include Jada, Jadore, Jadelynn, Jadyn, Jaden . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.