Find out how popular the first name Cain has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cain by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cain is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 247 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cain.

The history of the first name Cain

The name Cain is derived from the Hebrew biblical name Qayin, meaning "spear" or "acquisition". It has its origins in the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Hebrew Bible. Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, and the first human child born into the world according to the biblical account.

Cain is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, known for being the first murderer. He killed his younger brother Abel out of jealousy after God favored Abel's offering over his own. As a result, Cain was cursed by God and condemned to a life of wandering. His name has become synonymous with fratricide and the concept of the "mark of Cain" has been interpreted as a sign of divine protection or a curse, depending on the tradition.

One of the earliest recorded individuals named Cain is Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, mentioned in the Book of Genesis, which is dated to around the 6th century BCE. However, the name likely predates the written account and may have been in use among ancient Semitic peoples.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cain. One example is Cain (Caino), a 13th-century Italian painter and architect from Siena, who worked on the Siena Cathedral and other notable buildings in the city.

Another notable Cain was Cain Marko, better known as the Juggernaut, a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Men #12 in 1965 and has since become a prominent figure in the Marvel Universe.

In literature, Cain is the name of a character in Lord Byron's narrative poem "Cain: A Mystery" (1821), which explores the biblical story of Cain and Abel from a different perspective.

In the realm of music, Cain is the name of an American rock band formed in the late 1990s, known for their hit singles "Confessions" and "Desire".

Finally, Cain Velasquez (born 1982) is a Mexican-American former professional mixed martial artist and former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, known for his outstanding wrestling skills and powerful striking.

These are just a few examples of the notable figures throughout history who have borne the name Cain, a name deeply rooted in biblical tradition and carrying a significant symbolic weight.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cain was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cain, please contact us.

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