From Old French 'chacier' meaning to hunt; an occupational name for a huntsman.
Chase began as an English surname before it became a given name, and its roots lie in the Old French chace, meaning a hunt or chase, from the verb chacier, "to hunt." Like many surnames that later entered first-name use, it originally described an occupation, a place associated with hunting grounds, or a social role tied to the chase. As a personal name, it carries the brisk energy of an action word, which is part of its appeal: it sounds forward-moving, athletic, and distinctly modern, even though its linguistic ancestry is medieval.
Chase became popular as a first name in the late twentieth century, especially in the United States, where surname-style names often signal polish, mobility, and informality all at once. It fits alongside names like Blake, Carter, and Cole: clipped, confident, and easy to wear. The financial institution JPMorgan Chase also made the word highly visible, though the name’s style owes more to broader American naming patterns than to banking.
In popular culture, Chase has appeared in television, sports, and fiction often as the name of energetic or ambitious male characters, reinforcing its sleek image. Over time, the name has shifted from elite surname territory into familiar suburban mainstream use. It now feels less inherited and more chosen for sound and attitude. Still, its older meaning remains faintly alive beneath the surface, giving the name a built-in sense of pursuit, momentum, and purpose that many parents find compelling.