Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kane
BoyIrish, Hawaiian· “battle; descendant of Cathán”
- Meaning
- battle; descendant of Cathán
- Origin
- Irish, Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- KAYN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #451
- US babies 2025
- 695
- Best rank
- #319 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Kane
Kane is an Irish and Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “battle; descendant of Cathán”.
Kane is mainly an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Catháin, descendant of Cathán, a personal name built on cath, meaning battle. In Hawaiian, a similar word, kāne, means man, and Kāne is also a major god in Hawaiian tradition, which gives the name a second, independent root. Some families also hear an echo of Cain, but the spellings and histories are separate. As a first name, Kane is short and strong, with a slightly tough edge that parents often like. It works across English-speaking countries, needs no nickname, and pairs easily with both classic and modern middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Cain, Kain, Kaine, Kayne, Caine, Cayne, Cane.
Popularity over time
Kane first appears in US Social Security records in 1953. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 36 different years, starting in 1986. Its best national rank was #319 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,055 babies. In 2025, 695 babies were named Kane, and it ranked #451 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,384 in 1980, #594 in 2000, #565 in 2010, and #451 in 2025. Of the 19,521 US boys named Kane since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 5,099 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Major, Jaxton, Orion, Gideon, and Prince.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kane ranked highest in South Dakota, West Virginia, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #240 | 6 |
| West Virginia | #278 | 7 |
| Indiana | #304 | 26 |
| Nevada | #314 | 10 |
| Iowa | #321 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kane is usually pronounced KAYN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ne”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Cain, Kain, Kaine, and Kayne.
Middle names for Kane
A few middle names that flow with Kane: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kane
Similar names
Zane Boy
ZAYN
English
#324
Boone Boy
BOON
“good; or from Bohon, Normandy” · English
#423
Finn Boy
FIN
“fair, white” · Irish
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Shane Boy
SHAYN
“God is gracious” · Irish
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Flynn Boy
FLIHN
“son of the red-haired one” · Irish
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Quinn Unisex
KWIHN
“descendant of Conn” · Irish
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Lane Boy
LAYN
“narrow path” · English
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Zayne Boy
ZAYN
“variant of Zane or Zayn” · English
#473
Mack Boy
MAK
“son of” · Scottish
#463
Stone Boy
STOHN
“stone” · English
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Duane Boy
DWAYN
“dark” · Irish
#2,578
Blane Boy
BLAYN
“variant of Blaine, perhaps "yellow"” · Scottish
#3,963
Lists that include Kane
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kane mean?
Kane is an Irish and Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “battle; descendant of Cathán”.
What is the origin of the name Kane?
Kane has Irish and Hawaiian roots. Kane is mainly an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Catháin, descendant of Cathán, a personal name built on cath, meaning battle.
Is Kane a popular name?
Yes. Kane ranked #451 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kane a boy or girl name?
Kane is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kane?
Kane 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