Kayin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAY-in /ˈkeɪ.ɪn/Medium

Meaning: Kayin is the Hebrew form of Cain, the elder son of Adam and Eve in Genesis, who killed his brother Abel; the name is linked there to a verb meaning 'to acquire'. Separately and independently, Kayin is a Yoruba name understood as 'celebrated' or 'long-awaited child'. Both are real routes and families should choose knowing each.Low

In 30 seconds: Kayin has two separate homes: it is the Hebrew form of Cain in Genesis, and it is a Yoruba name for a celebrated, long-awaited child (said 'KAY-in').

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumHebrew, Yoruba

MeaningKayin is the Hebrew form of Cain, the elder son of Adam and Eve in Genesis, who killed his brother Abel; the name is linked there to a verb meaning 'to acquire'. Separately and independently, Kayin is a Yoruba name understood as 'celebrated' or 'long-awaited child'. Both are real routes and families should choose knowing each.

U.S. rank (2023)#7517 ↘ Falling

2023 U.S. births11 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2001

Total births (all-time)≈ 540

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

Kayin is the Hebrew name written Cain in English Bibles, borne by the elder son of Adam and Eve, who in Genesis kills his brother Abel; the text links the name to a verb for 'acquiring'. Quite separately, Kayin is a Yoruba name meaning 'celebrated' or 'long-awaited child', with no connection to the Hebrew. Both routes are genuine and we set them out neutrally (said 'KAY-in').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, double-rooted, and clear-sounding.

Did you know? The same two syllables carry very different histories — Kayin is the Hebrew name rendered in English as Cain, and it is also an established Yoruba name for a long-awaited child. We give both plainly so families can choose with open eyes (said 'KAY-in').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Kayin — Hebrew Qayin (Cain), Genesis 4; Yoruba Kayin 'celebrated/long-awaited'

Variations

CainKainKaine

Nicknames

KayKai

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kayin…

Kai— a like short bright pick

Caine— the English spelling family

Kian— a same two-beat rhythm

Ayo— a like Yoruba choice

Explore names like Kayin

By themehebrew biblical yoruba

By meaningFreedom

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kayin mean?

Kayin is the Hebrew form of Cain, the elder son of Adam and Eve in Genesis. Separately it is a Yoruba name meaning 'celebrated' or 'long-awaited child'. Both routes are real.

How do you pronounce Kayin?

It's said KAY-in /ˈkeɪ.ɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kayin a boy or girl name?

Kayin is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Kayin?

Kayin is extremely rare for boys in the U.S.