Declining since 2006, #1,022 for girls today.
Popularity of Cadence since 1974
Babies named Cadence per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 41 | 0 |
| 1980s | 110 | 0 |
| 1990s | 353 | 76 |
| 2000s | 10,591 | 673 |
| 2010s | 9,452 | 820 |
| 2020s | 1,883 | 556 |
Meaning & origin
Cadence emerged as a girls' name in 1974, drawing on the English musical term for rhythmic flow. It experienced a rise through the 1990s and hit its peak at rank 85 in 2005, becoming a familiar choice alongside other musical names. Since 2006 its usage has been falling, and by 2025 it ranked 1022nd with about 1 in 6560 births. During the 2000s it was particularly favored in Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon. The name's melodic sound and literal meaning help explain its appeal, even as popularity trends have shifted.
Cadence is a modern adoption of the English word for rhythmic flow in music or speech. It emerged as a given name in the late 20th century, part of a trend of using musical terms as names. Its rise in popularity began in the 1990s, peaking in the mid 2000s. The spelling variant 'Kaydence' also gained use, reflecting a broader pattern of phonetic respelling.
Where Cadence is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cady, Cade
Sibling names for Cadence
Names that share Cadence's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Harmony, Melody, Lyric, Aria, Piper, Harmoni, Melodi, Harmonee, Lyrik, Melodee, Symphony, Armonie, Harmonii, Lyrica, Mellody, Jazzman, Lyrical, Mandolin, Symphany, Symphoni, Lyrique, Rhapsody, Symphani, Symphanie, Symphonie
Brothers: Carson, Declan, Landon, Mason, Parker, Coda, Anthem, Chanson, Sovereign, Musiq
Names like Cadence
Names whose popularity has moved with Cadence's over the last 50 years.
