What does Cade mean and where does it come from?
Originally a surname used to denote someone who lived on a small holding, Cade has gained traction as a first name in contemporary naming practices. Often used for boys, this name's transition to a female variant demonstrates the modern trend of gender-neutral or gender-bending names. It has been po
Cultural significance
Cade has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the old french word 'cadi,' meaning 'round' or 'barrel'.
Peak popularity
Reached #9198 in 1997 — currently #280 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cade?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cade?
Cade works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cade Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cade Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cade Claire
French influence · crisp
Cade Jane
Literary · strong
Cade Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cade right now?
Rising — up 12 spots — currently #280 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #280 | 1,218 | ▲ up 12 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #292 | 1,170 | ▲ up 46 · +22% births |
| 2021 | #338 | 960 | ▲ up 12845 · +13614% births |
| 2015 | #13183 | 7 | ▼ down 1142 · -12% births |
| 2005 | #12041 | 8 | — |
The story of Cade
Cade is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1996. A total of 28,854 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12041 in 2005 to #280 in 2023. Cade is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cade in 1997:
Cade by decade
Cade peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 36 | |
| 1970s | 492 | |
| 1980s | 864 | |
| 1990s | 4,588 | |
| 2000s ★ | 13,721 | |
| 2010s | 8,332 | |
| 2020s | 816 | |
What are good nicknames for Cade?
What names sound and feel like Cade?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cade also consider these
How is Cade written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Cade
What does the name Cade mean?
Cade means "Derived from the Old French word 'cadi,' meaning 'round' or 'barrel'" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cade?
Cade is currently ranked #280 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Cade have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Cade?
Cade originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cade?
Cade is a one-syllable name pronounced K EY1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Cade sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Cade flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cade ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.