Declining since 2006, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Kaede since 1997
Babies named Kaede per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kaede's real moment was 2014.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 13 | 0 |
| 2000s | 96 | 24 |
| 2010s | 109 | 16 |
| 2020s | 30 | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Kaede is a Japanese nature name that entered U.S. records in 1997, reflecting a broader trend of international names gaining modest traction. Its highest rank of 14,942 occurred in 2014, and its frequency peaked around 1 in 300,000 births that year. Since 2006, its usage has been steadily falling, consistent with many names that saw a brief spike of interest. Despite its Japanese origins, Kaede has not been strongly associated with any particular U.S. state. For families seeking a name tied to natural imagery and Japanese heritage, Kaede offers a distinctive option outside the mainstream.
Kaede is a Japanese name meaning 'maple tree.' It is directly derived from the kanji 楓 (kaede), which refers to the maple tree, a symbol of autumn and natural beauty in Japanese culture. The name has been used in Japan for centuries, though it gained broader international recognition in the late 20th century. Its popularity in the United States began in the late 1990s, likely influenced by Japanese media and a growing appreciation for nature-inspired names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kae, Kai, K-chan
Sibling names for Kaede
Names that share Kaede's style, for a brother or sister.
