HOME > Roe v Wade Name Meaning
Introduction
The Supreme Court case Roe v Wade, decided in 1973, is one of the most well-known and controversial legal decisions in American history. The case established a woman's right to choose to have an abortion, and has been the subject of ongoing debate and political controversy ever since. But what about the names Roe and Wade themselves? Are they popular baby names, and what do they mean? This article explores the origins and meanings of these names, as well as their potential significance for parents considering them for their child.
The Origins of the Names Roe and Wade
The names Roe and Wade have different origins and meanings. Roe is a surname that can be traced back to England, where it was originally a nickname for someone with red hair. The name eventually became a surname, and was brought to America by English immigrants. Wade, on the other hand, is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning 'to go,' 'to advance,' or 'to ford.' It was a common name in medieval England, and was also brought to America by English immigrants.
Popularity of the Names Roe and Wade
Despite their historical origins, the names Roe and Wade are not particularly popular as first names in America. According to the Social Security Administration, neither name has ever ranked in the top 1000 names for boys or girls in any year since the agency began keeping records in 1880. However, both names have been used as first names, particularly in the southern United States. In recent years, the name Wade has seen a slight uptick in popularity, perhaps due to the popularity of the actor and director, Wade Robson.
The Significance of the Names Roe and Wade
For many people, the names Roe and Wade are inextricably linked to the Supreme Court case that bears their names. As a result, some parents may choose these names as a way to express their support for reproductive rights and women's autonomy. Others may choose these names simply because they like the sound or the historical significance of the names. However, it's worth noting that the names Roe and Wade may also carry some negative connotations for some people, particularly those who are opposed to abortion rights or who view the case as a symbol of judicial overreach.
Alternative Names with Similar Meanings
For parents who like the meanings of the names Roe and Wade but are hesitant to use them because of their association with the Supreme Court case, there are a number of alternative names to consider. For example, the name Ford has a similar meaning to Wade, and is also a surname that has been used as a first name. The name Reed is another surname that has a similar meaning to Roe, and has been used as a first name as well. Other names with meanings related to 'to go' or 'to advance' include Jourdan, Journey, and Maverick. Ultimately, the choice of a name for a child is a deeply personal one, and parents should choose a name that has meaning and significance for them.
Conclusion
The names Roe and Wade may not be among the most popular baby names in America, but they have a unique historical significance as the names of the plaintiffs in the landmark Supreme Court case that established a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. For parents considering these names for their child, it's important to be aware of the potential positive and negative associations that may come with them. Ultimately, the choice of a name is a personal one, and parents should choose a name that has meaning and significance for them and their child.
