Jade

A gemstone word-name; associated with jade stone and its green imagery.

Jade is a modern given name that comes directly from the gemstone word. As a word-name, it carries a clear association with the jade stone and the familiar green imagery that many people connect with it. That makes the name’s “meaning” more about cultural association than about older name-element analysis. Etymologically, the English word “jade” came into English through French usage, and the term ultimately traces back through earlier European language history. In name use, Jade is typically chosen for its clean spelling, short sound, and the gemstone association, rather than for a single ancient root meaning. Pronunciation is usually one syllable: JAYD. A practical tip is that it is easy to spell but may be confused in writing with the variant Jayde; and as a nickname, Jay is sometimes used informally.

Etymology: From the English word ‘jade’, which passed through French forms; used as a given name in modern English usage.