Kain first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kain has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kain

Derived from the Biblical name Cain, meaning "spear" or "acquisition".

Popularity of Kain by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Kain is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 109 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kain.

YearMale CountFemale Count
20241090
20231040
20221010
20211400
20201070
20191270
20181430
20171670
20161800
20151240
20141520
20131360
20121360
20111270
20101240
20091090
20081130
20071030
2006910
2005910
2004710
20031080
2002980
2001960
20001050
1999990
1998960
1997820
1996840
1995640
1994510
1993370
1992210
1991140
1990120
1989100
1988120
1987100
198690
1985100
198460
1983110
198290
198150
198050
197980
197880
197650

The history of the first name Kain

The given name Kain originated from the Hebrew language and culture, with its earliest known roots tracing back to the Biblical era. It is derived from the Hebrew word "qayin," which means "acquired" or "possession." The name gained prominence through its association with the biblical figure Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, as mentioned in the Book of Genesis.

In the biblical narrative, Cain was the first human born and the first murderer, having killed his younger brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. This tragic story has given the name Kain a somewhat ominous connotation in some cultures, symbolizing envy, resentment, and violence.

Despite its Biblical origins, the name Kain has been adopted across various cultures and time periods. One notable example is Cain, a character in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost," published in 1667. In this work, Milton explores the biblical story of Cain and his subsequent banishment, adding depth and complexity to the character's portrayal.

Moving forward in history, one of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Kain was Cain Marcius, a Roman senator who lived in the 1st century BC. He is mentioned in the writings of the ancient Roman historian Livy.

In the 12th century, Cain Renault, a French knight and crusader, gained recognition for his participation in the Third Crusade alongside King Richard the Lionheart. He is mentioned in various chronicles and accounts of the era.

Fast forward to the 16th century, Cain Calvert was an English explorer and colonist who played a significant role in the early settlement of the British colonies in North America. He is remembered for his efforts in establishing the colony of Newfoundland in 1610.

In the realm of literature, Cain Mutiny was a notable 19th-century American author and poet. Born in 1825, he is best known for his poems exploring themes of nature, love, and the human condition.

Finally, in more recent history, Cain Velasquez is a former professional mixed martial artist and wrestler. Born in 1982, he is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in the sport's history.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Kain throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of this name's legacy.

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

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

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