Declining since 2015, #1,141 for boys today.
Popularity of Cain since 1910
Babies named Cain per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 31 |
| 1920s | 51 |
| 1930s | 35 |
| 1940s | 15 |
| 1950s | 38 |
| 1960s | 73 |
| 1970s | 257 |
| 1980s | 380 |
| 1990s | 1,046 |
| 2000s | 1,481 |
| 2010s | 2,814 |
| 2020s | 1,407 |
Meaning & origin
Cain remains a rare but persistent choice for American parents, ranking 1141st in 2025 with roughly 1 in every 9,233 newborn boys receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 2014, but has been steadily declining since 2015. The name is most concentrated in Louisiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. While its biblical association with the first murder gives it a heavy cultural weight, some parents are drawn to its strong sound and ancient roots. The name's trajectory suggests it will continue as an uncommon but not unheard-of choice, favored by those who appreciate its historical depth and simple, powerful pronunciation.
Cain is derived from the Hebrew name קַיִן (Qayin), which is traditionally associated with the verb קָנָה (qanah) meaning 'to acquire' or 'to possess.' In the Book of Genesis, Eve names her first son Cain, saying 'I have acquired a man with the help of the Lord' (Genesis 4:1). The name has been used in English since the Protestant Reformation, though it has been less common due to the biblical association with the first murderer. Despite this, Cain has seen periodic use, particularly in the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Where Cain is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cain” around the world
Where Cain lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Cain
Names that share Cain's style, for a brother or sister.
