Our Daughter's Imaginary Friend Gives Us The Creeps...

In recent weeks my daughter has been referring to what seems to be an imaginary friend. She's very creative and verbal for 2.5 and has a wild imagination. I had imaginary friend myself around that age - so I'm told - but hers takes form in a completely bizarre way I never expected a child of her age to come up with.

Two weeks ago she began talking about "Shaddick" being in the room with us doing various things around the house. From what we've gleaned he is a grown man - probably similar in stature to myself or my father - wears a hat, and has a tail. He sits in the high chair, sits at her child-size table, and draws. Sometimes she will say "Shaddick is coming" "Shaddick is coming down the sidewalk" "Shaddick is coming to our house through the front door" - it's funny but also kind of gives us the creeps.

The only concerning thing is she seems to be scared of it. She'll run crying to my wife and I and say "Shaddick is coming".

Has anyone ever had a creepy imaginary friend? Why is it man? Why does she seem afraid of it? My only theory is that she sees we're slightly concerned so she's mirroring our emotions.