What does Cayenne mean and where does it come from?
Cayenne is derived from the name of the spicy pepper, which originates from the cayenne pepper plant. The name has gained popularity as a given name in the United States, especially for those seeking names with a vibrant and distinct character. The name also draws some inspiration from the city of C
Cultural significance
Cayenne has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a type of pepper; fiery and bold..
Peak popularity
Reached #5609 in 2012 — currently #1766 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cayenne?
Cayenne works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cayenne Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cayenne Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cayenne Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cayenne Claire
French influence · crisp
Cayenne Jane
Literary · strong
Cayenne Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cayenne right now?
Holding steady — currently #1766 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1766 | 434 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1771 | 414 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1776 | 384 | ▲ up 9508 · +4700% births |
| 2020 | #11284 | 8 | ▼ down 145 · -11% births |
| 2015 | #11139 | 9 | ▼ down 4405 · -53% births |
| 2010 | #6734 | 19 | ▲ up 1348 · +36% births |
| 2005 | #8082 | 14 | ▲ up 1422 · +40% births |
| 2000 | #9504 | 10 | ▲ up 4798 · +100% births |
| 1995 | #14302 | 5 | ▼ down 4466 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #9836 | 8 | — |
The story of Cayenne
Cayenne is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 434 total births recorded, Cayenne remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9836 in 1990 to #1766 in 2023. Cayenne is used for both genders: 93% female and 7% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cayenne in 2012:
Cayenne by decade
Cayenne peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 12 | |
| 1980s | 20 | |
| 1990s | 83 | |
| 2000s | 137 | |
| 2010s ★ | 174 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Cayenne has only 434 total recorded births since 1978 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cayenne?
What names sound and feel like Cayenne?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cayenne also consider these
Common questions about the name Cayenne
What does the name Cayenne mean?
Cayenne means "A type of pepper; fiery and bold." — a name rooted in France 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 Cayenne?
Cayenne is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cayenne?
Cayenne originates from France tradition. France 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 Cayenne?
Cayenne is a two-syllable name pronounced K AY2 EH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cayenne a common or rare name?
Cayenne is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.