Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cain
BoyHebrew· “acquired”
- Meaning
- acquired
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- KAYN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,142
- US babies 2025
- 185
- Best rank
- #727 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Cain
Cain is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “acquired”.
Cain comes from the Hebrew Qayin. In the Book of Genesis, Eve explains the name with a word meaning I have acquired, though scholars also connect it to a word for smith or spear, so its original sense is not certain. Cain is the elder son of Adam and Eve, who killed his brother Abel. Because of this story, the name has long had a dark reputation, though some parents today choose it for its strong, simple sound. It is also spelled Kane. Cain pairs well with classic middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kane, Kain, Kaine, Kayne, Caine, Cayne, Cane.
Popularity over time
Cain first appears in US Social Security records in 1910. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 19 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #727 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 330 babies. In 2025, 185 babies were named Cain, and it ranked #1,142 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,799 in 1920, #3,064 in 1950, #1,737 in 1980, #1,048 in 2000, #958 in 2010, and #1,142 in 2025. Of the 7,628 US boys named Cain since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,481 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Anders, Kolten, Blaze, Brantlee, and Branson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cain ranked highest in Louisiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Cain is usually pronounced KAYN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with C and ends in “-in”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kane, Kain, Kaine, and Kayne.
Middle names for Cain
A few middle names that flow with Cain: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cain
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Lists that include Cain
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cain mean?
Cain is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “acquired”.
What is the origin of the name Cain?
Cain has Hebrew roots. Cain comes from the Hebrew Qayin.
Is Cain a popular name?
Not especially. Cain ranked #1,142 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cain a boy or girl name?
Cain is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Cain?
Cain is usually pronounced KAYN. 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