Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Caden
BoyAmerican (modern coinage), Irish· “modern name; possibly from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- modern name; possibly from an Irish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Irish
- Pronunciation
- KAY-dihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #201
- US babies 2025
- 1,742
- Best rank
- #91 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Caden
Caden is often said to mean “modern name; possibly from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Irish roots.
Caden is a modern American name whose origin is debated. It is sometimes linked to the Irish surname Mac Cadáin, but that surname is rare and its meaning is uncertain, so any translation offered for Caden should be treated with caution. Most parents choose it for its sound, which fits comfortably alongside Aiden, Braden and Jayden. Caden became common in the United States around the turn of the twenty-first century, together with variants such as Kaden, Kaiden and Cayden. It is short, upbeat and easy to pronounce. Cade is a natural short form that sounds a little more rugged.
Popularity over time
Caden first appears in US Social Security records in 1979. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 34 different years, starting in 1992. Its best national rank was #91 in 2006, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 5,055 were named Caden. In 2025, 1,742 babies were named Caden, and it ranked #201 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #6,378 in 1980, #240 in 2000, #119 in 2010, and #201 in 2025. Of the 72,045 US boys named Caden since records began, 51% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 22,376 babies. Since 2010, 32,363 more have been named Caden.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Brady, Miguel, Kaden, Tristan, and Jaden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Caden ranked highest in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and District of Columbia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #85 | 18 |
| Connecticut | #118 | 32 |
| District of Columbia | #124 | 7 |
| New Jersey | #125 | 77 |
| Ohio | #126 | 107 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Caden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Caden is usually pronounced KAY-dihn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Caden
A few middle names that flow with Caden: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Caden
Similar names
Brayden Boy
BRAY-duhn
“modern form of Braden; salmon” · Irish
#229
Ayden Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · American (modern coinage)
#257
Kayden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern coinage related to Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#135
Kaden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#328
Kaiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#237
Cayden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#414
Calen Boy
KAY-luhn
“uncertain, possibly variant of Caelan” · American (modern coinage)
#3,323
Jaden Boy
JAY-dihn
“modern coinage; possibly from biblical Jadon” · American (modern coinage)
#421
Zayden Boy
ZAY-duhn
“modern variant of Jayden” · American (modern coinage)
#214
Jaiden Boy
JAY-duhn
“modern blend of Jay and Aiden” · American (modern coinage)
#618
Jaylen Boy
JAY-lin
“blend of Jay and Len” · American (modern coinage)
#361
Caiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“uncertain; modern variant of Kaden” · American (modern coinage)
#602
Lists that include Caden
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Caden mean?
Caden is often said to mean “modern name; possibly from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Caden?
Caden has modern American and Irish roots. Caden is a modern American name whose origin is debated.
Is Caden a popular name?
Yes. Caden ranked #201 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Caden a boy or girl name?
Caden is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Caden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Caden?
Caden is usually pronounced KAY-dihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings