The name Jade has a beautiful, earthy sound to it. A more modern name, only coming into common practice since the 1970s, the name itself has a deep and rich history outside of children’s names.
How do you choose a middle name for Jade? There a multitude of possibilities, but the history behind the name may be helpful in helping to choose the perfect name to accompany Jade.
Name Meaning
The name Jade originated in Spain, being called piedra de la ijada which translates to “stone of the colic (or flank).” The Spanish believed that the stone jade had the ability to cure colic in babies when placed upon the stomach.
In Chinese culture, jade is considered to be one of the country’s most precious stones. Confucius, a well-known Chinese philosopher, believed the stone to have properties that encouraged purity, bravery, and honesty.
The stone is a beautiful shade of green and is also very hard, making it difficult for craftsmen to work with, making any jewelry or statues made of jade during ancient times priceless.
The name became a more popular name for babies during the 1970s but has risen in popularity since the 1990s, usually fluctuating between the top 100 and 150 names in popularity. While this means that the name Jade is more common, it is also low enough on the charts that it would still be a beautifully unique name for your child.
Earth Names
Since the name Jade is shared with the stone, choosing a middle name that has an earth-based connection makes sense.
Names like Jade Skye, Jade Heather, Jade Iris, Jade Juniper, Jade Laurel, Jade Opal, Jade Pearl, Jade Savannah, Jade Sierra, Jade Blossom, Jade Amber, Jade Ivory, Jade Hazel, Jade Ginger, Jade Olive, Jade River, or Jade Ember would be fantastic choices.
Some of these share the same commonalities with jade, by also being names of stones, while others are simply elements found out in nature.
Classic Names
Because Jade is a relatively recent name in terms of use for children, you might be tempted to pair it with a name that has a deeper history.
Names like Jade Elizabeth, Jade Charlotte, Jade Ella, Jade Audrey, Jade Grace, Jade Eleanor, Jade Alice, Jade Rose, Jade Stella, Jade Violet, Jade Evelyn, Jade Leona, Jade Lillian, Jade Mae, Jade Minnie, or Jade Marjorie are all names that have been used throughout history for some time.
Deeper Meaning Names
Though the name Jade itself doesn’t have a deep meaning, the belief of the Chinese culture that the stone held powers for purity, bravery, and honesty could provide suggestions for middle names as well.
Names that mean pure: Jade Agata, Jade Annabell, Jade Anessa, Jade Caetlyn, Jade Candace, Jade Crystal, Jade Dionna, Jade Genny, Jade Ines, Jade Kadie, Jade Kandace, Jade Katarina, Jade Lillianne, Jade Mallie, Jade Mina, Jade Phoebe, Jade Psyche, Jade Rosamund.
Names that mean brave: Jade Amerie, Jade Andreia, Jade Bernadette, Jade Brileigh, Jade Doria, Jade Everley, Jade Kelsee, Jade Lenna, Jade Leona, Jade Nadette, Jade Riley, Jade Valerie.
Names that mean honest: Jade Alysa, Jade Alyson, Jade Amena, Jade Avalynn, Jade Nikole, and Jade Veronica.
Family Name
Nothing can hold a deeper or truer meaning to a parent or child than knowing that they were named after a loved one.
Whether sharing the name of a mother, grandmother, aunt, or even a very close friend, giving your child the middle name of a loved one is a wonderful way to show how much you care for both parties.
If he shares the name with her mother, it can instill a deeper bond between the two of them, and if named after another loved one, your child can enjoy hearing the tales of why you chose to name him after her relative.
Giving a family name isn’t necessary to create a strong family bond with your child, but providing a backstory on a family name can give your child a glance at the history of her family and can help shape her future.
Conclusion
Despite lacking a beautiful meaning, Jade is a name that has withstood the hands of time by beginning as the name of a stone and transitioning into a name for children as well.
In other cultures, jade is valued as a precious stone, even comparable to diamonds.
With the belief that the stone holds properties such as purity, bravery, and honesty, naming your child Jade could potentially give your daughter a deeper meaning behind her name, and possibly an interest in other cultures as well.
Whether you choose to match the name with an earth-based middle name, a classical one, one that has a deeper meaning, or a family name, you will be blessing your baby with a name that can withstand time as well as the beautiful, green stone.
