Find out how popular the first name Cainen has been for the last 31 years (from 1994 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cainen by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Cainen is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cainen.

The history of the first name Cainen

The name Cainen is believed to have originated from the Gaelic language, which is a Celtic language spoken primarily in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It is thought to have derived from the ancient Irish name Coinneach, which itself is derived from the Old Irish word "cainnech," meaning "handsome" or "fair-haired."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cainen can be found in the "Annals of Ulster," a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The annals mention a Cainen mac Failbe, who was an Irish abbot and saint who lived in the 6th century AD. He is also known as Saint Canice or Canicus and is celebrated as the patron saint of Kilkenny, Ireland.

Another notable historical figure with the name Cainen was Cainen mac Dermait (born around 1050 AD), an Irish king who ruled over the Kingdom of Leinster in the late 11th century. He is remembered for his involvement in the Norman invasion of Ireland and his conflicts with the powerful O'Brien dynasty.

In the realm of literature, the name Cainen appears in the 12th-century Irish saga "Táin Bó Cúailnge" (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), one of the most significant works of Irish mythology and folklore. The character of Cainen mac Fachtna is depicted as a wise and respected druid.

During the medieval period, the name Cainen was also recorded in various monastic records and religious texts, indicating its use among Irish clergy and religious figures.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Cainen was Cainen of Aghaboe (born around 515 AD), an Irish missionary and saint who founded several monasteries in Ireland, including the prominent monastic settlement of Aghaboe in County Laois. He is celebrated on November 24th in the Catholic Church.

It is worth noting that while the name Cainen has its roots in Irish and Celtic culture, it has also been adopted and adapted in various other cultures and languages over time, leading to slight variations in spelling and pronunciation.

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 Cainen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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