Cash

♂ Boy

Pronounced KASH /kæʃ/High

Meaning: Hollow place; chest; maker of boxes or chestsMedium

In 30 seconds: An ultra-cool American word-name that doubles as the surname of the legendary Johnny Cash. Cash is loaded with rebel-cool and country-music heritage — one syllable, zero compromise, maximum impact.

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Origin MediumEnglish, Norman French

MeaningHollow place; chest; maker of boxes or chests

U.S. rank (2025)#287 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births1,181 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2013

Total births (all-time)≈ 27,693

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Cash is an English surname possibly from Old Norman French casse (box, chest) or denoting a maker of boxes, or alternatively from Old English referring to a hollow or a person who lived near one. The precise etymology is uncertain. As a surname it was relatively uncommon until Johnny Cash made it iconic.

As a given name, Cash has been rising steadily in the United States since the late 20th century, propelled by the cool, outlaw image of Johnny Cash and the broader trend for brief, punchy word-names. It entered the U.S. top 100 for boys in the 2010s and has remained there.

Did you know? Johnny Cash (1932–2003), the 'Man in Black,' is one of the best-selling music artists of all time — his surname as a first name carries enormous country-music and counter-cultural cachet.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Cash — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KashCashe

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Johnny Cash (1932–2003)
Legendary American country and rock singer-songwriter, 'The Man in Black,' Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

If you like Cash…

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Lane— brief English topographic surname with the same effortless one-syllable cool

Cade— single-syllable English surname name with the same lean masculine directness

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cash mean?

Cash is an English surname with uncertain origins, possibly meaning 'hollow,' 'chest,' or 'maker of boxes,' from Old French.

How do you pronounce Cash?

It is said KASH /kæʃ/ — one syllable.

Is Cash a boy or girl name?

Cash is used predominantly as a boys' name.

How popular is Cash?

Cash entered the U.S. top 100 for boys in the 2010s and has remained in that range.