UK boy's name
Blade
A name derived from the Old English word "blæd," meaning a sharp cutting instrument or leaf.
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Blade is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Blade popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4270, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2004, with 21 births.
This profile covers 173 England and Wales registrations across 22 recorded years from 1996 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 19% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 172 living people in the UK are called Blade. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Blade ranked #4270 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 4 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2004, when 21 boys were registered as Blade.
- • About 172 living people in the UK are estimated to have Blade as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4270
2024
Births in 2024
4
Latest year
Peak year
2004
21 births
Estimated living
172
2026
Meaning
What does Blade mean?
The name Blade is an English word that originated as a nickname derived from the Old English word "blæd," meaning "blade of a sword or leaf." The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, a time when swords and knives were essential tools for survival and warfare.
In its earliest known use, the name Blade was often given to children born to families of skilled blacksmiths or warriors, symbolizing strength, courage, and perseverance. It was a name that embodied the qualities desired in a warrior or a protector.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Blade can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Bladelinus," referring to a landowner in the county of Shropshire.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Blade. One of the most famous was Blade Moor, a renowned English swordsmith who lived in the 16th century. His exceptional craftsmanship earned him widespread recognition, and his swords were highly sought after by noblemen and royalty alike.
Another significant figure was Blade Randolph (1589-1652), a renowned English navigator and explorer who participated in several voyages to the New World. His detailed accounts of the landscapes, flora, and fauna he encountered played a crucial role in expanding knowledge about the Americas during that era.
In the realm of literature, Blade Browning (1712-1786) was an acclaimed English poet and playwright whose works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. His most celebrated work, "The Pastoral Odes," is considered a masterpiece of 18th-century poetry.
The name Blade also found its way into the annals of military history. Blade Roberts (1835-1914) was a highly decorated British general who served in numerous campaigns, including the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. His leadership and tactical brilliance earned him numerous accolades and a place in the history books.
Finally, Blade Whitaker (1901-1988) was a pioneering American aviator and test pilot who played a crucial role in the development of modern aviation. His daring exploits and contributions to the field of aeronautics have secured his place as a legend in the history of flight.
These notable individuals, spanning various eras and fields, exemplify the strength, resilience, and determination associated with the name Blade, solidifying its place in the annals of history as a name of distinction and enduring significance.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Blade over time
The chart below shows babies named Blade registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Blade, the clearest high point is 2004. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2024, compared with 21 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Blade by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Blade was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4530 | 7 | 2 |
| 2010s | #4182 | 22 | 6 |
| 2000s | #1498 | 127 | 10 |
| 1990s | #2345 | 17 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Blade
- Benjamin 90,412
- Ben 36,356
- Bradley 30,230
- Brandon 26,411
- Billy 18,608
- Bobby 16,904
- Blake 16,337
- Bailey 16,014
- Brody 7,230
- Beau 6,722
- Barnaby 5,284
- Brodie 4,801
FAQ
Blade: questions and answers
How popular is the name Blade in the UK right now?
In 2024, Blade was ranked #4270 for boys in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.
When was Blade most popular?
The peak year on record was 2004, with 21 babies registered as Blade in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Blade?
A name derived from the Old English word "blæd," meaning a sharp cutting instrument or leaf.
How many people are called Blade in the UK?
A total of 173 babies have been registered as Blade across the 22 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.