Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Cadence
GirlEnglish, Latin· “rhythm, flow”
- Meaning
- rhythm, flow
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- KAY-duhns
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,022
- US babies 2025
- 245
- Best rank
- #199 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Cadence
Cadence is an English and Latin name that means “rhythm, flow”.
Cadence is the English word for rhythm, the rise and fall of the voice, or the closing chord progression of a musical phrase. It comes through Italian cadenza from the Latin cadere, to fall. As a given name it is a modern choice that belongs to the family of musical word names, such as Lyric, Harmony and Melody. Cadence feels graceful and artistic, and its sound also matches popular names like Kayden and Kaylee. Cady and Cade are possible short forms, and the spelling Kadence is common as well.
Popularity over time
Cadence first appears in US Social Security records in 1974. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 2002. Its best national rank was #199 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,707 babies. In 2025, 245 babies were named Cadence, and it ranked #1,022 nationally. That is 75% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,965 in 1980, #2,459 in 2000, #227 in 2010, and #1,022 in 2025. Of the 22,430 US girls named Cadence since records began, 47% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 9,452 babies. Since 2010, 11,335 more have been named Cadence.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tessa, Julianna, Alivia, Joselyn, and Maggie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cadence ranked highest in Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #145 | 5 |
| Idaho | #359 | 6 |
| Oregon | #565 | 6 |
| Virginia | #579 | 13 |
| North Carolina | #611 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 91% of US babies named Cadence over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Cadence is usually pronounced KAY-duhns, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Cadence
A few middle names that flow with Cadence: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cadence
Similar names
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Lists that include Cadence
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cadence mean?
Cadence is an English and Latin name that means “rhythm, flow”.
What is the origin of the name Cadence?
Cadence has English and Latin roots. Cadence is the English word for rhythm, the rise and fall of the voice, or the closing chord progression of a musical phrase.
Is Cadence a popular name?
Not especially. Cadence ranked #1,022 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cadence a boy or girl name?
Cadence is mainly a girl's name. About 91% of US babies named Cadence over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Cadence?
Cadence is usually pronounced KAY-duhns. 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