Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kadence
GirlEnglish, Latin· “rhythm”
- Meaning
- rhythm
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- KAY-duhns
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,616
- US babies 2025
- 129
- Best rank
- #344 (2005)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Kadence
Kadence is an English and Latin name that means “rhythm”.
Kadence is a modern spelling of Cadence, an English word for the rhythm or rise and fall of sound, especially in music and speech. The word came through Italian and French from the Latin cadere, "to fall", referring to the falling of the voice or the close of a musical phrase. As a given name Cadence became popular in the United States in the early twenty-first century, and the K spelling gave it a bolder look. It appeals to musical families and to parents who like word names with a flowing sound. Kady and Kadie are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kadence first appears in US Social Security records in 1994. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 16 different years, starting in 2003. Its best national rank was #344 in 2005, the same year it reached its highest count of 911 babies. In 2025, 129 babies were named Kadence, and it ranked #1,616 nationally. That is 76% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #6,076 in 2000, #441 in 2010, and #1,616 in 2025. Of the 11,618 US girls named Kadence since records began, 46% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 5,119 babies. Since 2010, 6,158 more have been named Kadence.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Dayanara, Sherlyn, Itzel, Tamia, and Litzy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kadence ranked highest in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #593 | 18 |
| South Carolina | #842 | 5 |
| Tennessee | #1047 | 6 |
| Arizona | #1137 | 5 |
| North Carolina | #1205 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 86% of US babies named Kadence over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kadence is usually pronounced KAY-duhns, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Kadence
A few middle names that flow with Kadence: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kadence
Similar names
Justice Unisex
JUHS-tihs
“justice, fairness” · English
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Cadence Girl
KAY-duhns
“rhythm, flow” · English
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Candice Girl
KAN-dis
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Kaydence Girl
KAY-duhns
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Candace Girl
KAN-dis
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Grace Girl
GRAYS
“grace” · English
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Tori Girl
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Princess Girl
PRIHN-sehs
“daughter of a monarch” · English
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Loren Unisex
LOR-uhn
“from Laurentum; variant of Lauren” · English
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Janice Girl
JA-nihs
“elaboration of Jane; God is gracious” · English
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Divine Unisex
dih-VYN
“godly, heavenly” · English
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Constance Girl
KAHN-stuhns
“steadfastness” · Latin
#1,501
Lists that include Kadence
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kadence mean?
Kadence is an English and Latin name that means “rhythm”.
What is the origin of the name Kadence?
Kadence has English and Latin roots. Kadence is a modern spelling of Cadence, an English word for the rhythm or rise and fall of sound, especially in music and speech.
Is Kadence a popular name?
Not especially. Kadence ranked #1,616 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kadence a boy or girl name?
Kadence is mainly a girl's name. About 86% of US babies named Kadence over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kadence?
Kadence 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