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Cade

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAYD /keɪd/High

Meaning: Round, stout; barrel-shapedMedium

In 30 seconds: A sharp, single-syllable name with Old French and English roots. Cade is lean, modern, and effortlessly cool — the kind of punchy one-syllable choice that wears equally well on a boy and an adult man.
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Origin MediumEnglish, Old French
MeaningRound, stout; barrel-shaped
U.S. rank (2025)#248 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,392 boys (0.08% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 34,766

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200119532025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Cade is an English surname derived from the Old French cade, possibly meaning 'round' or 'barrel-shaped,' or from an Old English byname. Another theory connects it to the Old Norse Kati (a lump or a pet name). The surname was most famously borne by the rebel leader Jack Cade, who led the Kentish Rebellion of 1450.

As a given name, Cade gained momentum in the United States in the late 20th century alongside other short, punchy names like Blake, Tate, and Reid. It has a clean, modern sound that appeals to parents who want something brief but distinctive.

Did you know? Jack Cade led a famous populist rebellion in Kent, England, in 1450 — immortalised by Shakespeare in Henry VI, Part 2 — one of the earliest recorded uses of Cade as a personal name.
Overall data confidence 76%
Behind the Name — Cade — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KadeCayde

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Jack Cade (d. 1450)
    Leader of the Kentish Rebellion of 1450 against Henry VI, immortalised in Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 2.

If you like Cade…

Blake— single-syllable English surname name with the same crisp, modern feel
Tate— one-syllable surname name with the same confident, minimal energy
Reid— monosyllabic Scottish surname name with the same clean directness
Lane— brief occupational surname name with the same sleek masculinity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cade mean?

Cade is an English surname possibly meaning 'round' or 'barrel-shaped' from Old French, though the etymology is debated.

How do you pronounce Cade?

It is said KAYD /keɪd/ — one syllable.

Is Cade a boy or girl name?

Cade is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Cade?

Cade has held a position in the U.S. top 300 for boys for several years.