What Does the Name Chase Mean?
Chase means "hunter," tracing to the Middle English chace ("hunt") and ultimately the Old French chacier, "to chase" or "to hunt."
The Origin & History of Chase
As a surname, Chase was originally an occupational or nickname surname for a huntsman, or referred to someone who lived near a hunting ground (a "chase"). English surnames of this kind began crossing over into given-name use in the 19th and 20th centuries, following a broader pattern of surname names for boys.
Cultural Reach
Chase became a genuinely popular first name in the US from the 1980s onward, part of a wave of short, action-sounding surname names that also includes Hunter and Cole.
Famous People Named Chase
Notable bearers include Chase Utley, the former MLB All-Star second baseman, and Chase Elliott, the NASCAR Cup Series champion driver.
Nicknames & Variations
Chase is generally used as-is, without common nicknames, though it does not have widely used spelling variants either -- part of its appeal as a clean, single-syllable name.
Is Chase a Good Name in 2026?
Chase's short, energetic sound and clear meaning have kept it a consistently popular choice for decades, and it shows no sign of falling out of favor.