Wade 1

Wade 1 is an English surname derived from the Old English word wæd, meaning "a ford" — a shallow place where a river or stream can be crossed. This toponymic surname likely originated as a place name for someone who lived near such a crossing, or perhaps for those who came from one of the various minor locations in England named Wade or Wadington.

The surname Wade is also found as a given name, deriving from the same source. As a family name, it has been borne by notable individuals across various fields, including the American Civil War general Benjamin F. Wade, the actress Virginia Wade, and the basketball player Dwyane Wade. Its distribution is strongest in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

• Meaning: "a ford" (Old English)
• Origin: English toponymic surname
• Usage Regions: United States, United Kingdom, Australia
• Related Given Name: Wade