Rising since 1997, #927 for boys today.
Popularity of Caius since 1994
Babies named Caius per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 205 |
| 2010s | 1,068 |
| 2020s | 1,044 |
Meaning & origin
Caius has been in steady use in the United States since first being recorded in 1994, and it has risen consistently since 1997. In the latest year, 2025, it ranks 927th with a 1-in-6725 frequency, meaning the name is still relatively rare but gaining familiarity. Its peak year so far is 2025, indicating ongoing upward momentum. Geographically, the name appears most common in Maryland, Minnesota, and Indiana. The Latin origin and classical feel, along with the written form 'Caius' (preferred historically in English contexts over the more strictly classical 'Gaius'), lend it an air of scholarly gravitas. The name's trajectory suggests an emerging classic, appealing to parents drawn to ancient Roman names that are neither obscure nor overly popular.
Caius is a Latin name of uncertain etymology, though it is often associated with the Latin verb gaudeo, meaning 'to rejoice.' It was a common Roman praenomen (given name), famously borne by several historical figures including the jurist Gaius (2nd century AD). The spelling 'Caius' became standard in English through the influence of the 16th-century founder of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, John Caius, who Latinized his name from 'Keys.'
Where Caius is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Caius
Names that share Caius's style, for a brother or sister.
