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

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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

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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.