Declining since 2006, #1,611 for girls today.
Popularity of Kadence since 1994
Babies named Kadence per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 64 | 12 |
| 2000s | 5,396 | 356 |
| 2010s | 5,119 | 746 |
| 2020s | 1,039 | 566 |
Meaning & origin
Kadence is a modern respelling of Cadence that first appeared in U.S. records in 1994, reflecting the late 20th-century trend of creative phonetic spellings. Its popularity climbed quickly, reaching its peak rank in 2005 before entering a steady decline that continued through 2025, when it ranked 1611th nationally. The name remains most concentrated in the Southern states, particularly Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. While its original meaning of 'rhythm' or 'flow' is preserved, the Kadence spelling gives the name a contemporary edge, appealing to parents seeking a familiar yet unique sound.
Kadence is a modern respelling of the word name Cadence, which derives from the Latin 'cadentia' meaning 'a falling' and entered English via Italian 'cadenza'. The name gained popularity in the late 20th century as part of a trend for musical and graceful word names. The 'K' spelling emerged as a distinctive variant, particularly in the United States, peaking in popularity during the early 2000s.
Where Kadence 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: Kady, Kade, Cady
Sibling names for Kadence
Names that share Kadence's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Kadence
Names whose popularity has moved with Kadence's over the last 50 years.
