Cadence Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAY-dens //ˈkeɪ.dəns//
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: Latin: rhythm; English: musical term
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cadence derives from the Latin word "cadentia," which means "a falling" or "to fall." This term is related to the verb "cadere," meaning "to fall." The transition into English occurred through the Old French "cadence," which referred to rhythm or flow, particularly in music and poetry. The adoption of the name in English-speaking contexts reflects a broader trend of using musical terminology as personal names, particularly in the late 20th century, as names began to embody more abstract qualities and concepts.
Historically, the concept of cadence has been significant in various cultural contexts, particularly in music and poetry, where it denotes a rhythmic flow or a sequence of sounds that create a pleasing effect. This association with rhythm and harmony has made the name appealing in artistic circles.
While there are no specific historical figures or saints directly associated with the name Cadence, the broader cultural significance of rhythm in literature and music has contributed to its resonance. The term has been used in various literary works and musical compositions throughout the centuries, reinforcing its connection to creativity and expression.
In terms of cultural resonance, Cadence symbolizes grace and fluidity, qualities that are often celebrated in artistic endeavors. The name evokes a sense of movement and harmony, making it a fitting choice for those who appreciate the arts.
While diminutive forms or variations of the name are not prominently noted in historical texts, the name's lyrical quality has allowed it to maintain a certain elegance and charm, contributing to its lasting appeal in various cultural contexts.
Famous people named Cadence
In this section, you will find notable people named Cadence. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Cadence who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Cadence who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Cadence Baker is a professional basketball player best known for her time with the Auburn Tigers women's basketball team.
Cadence L. is a musician and singer-songwriter known for her work in the indie pop genre.
Fictional characters named Cadence
The following list of fictional characters named Cadence is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Cadence is a fictional character from the novel series The Selection by Kiera Cass. She is a prominent character who plays a significant role in the romantic and political dynamics of the story.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cadence, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Cadence. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cadence was first seen in the United States in 1974.
Cadence has ranked as high as #408 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Cadence has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cadence is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cadence was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Cadence (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 19 | |
| FL | 16 | |
| CA | 15 | |
| TN | 12 | |
| NC | 11 | |
| GA | 11 | |
| PA | 11 | |
| NY | 9 | |
| SC | 8 | |
| OH | 8 | |
| AZ | 7 | |
| UT | 7 | |
| WI | 7 | |
| CO | 6 | |
| VA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cadence.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 242 |
| 2023 | 275 |
| 2022 | 325 |
| 2021 | 377 |
| 2020 | 417 |
| 2019 | 557 |
| 2018 | 645 |
| 2017 | 752 |
| 2016 | 867 |
| 2015 | 967 |
| 2014 | 1,003 |
| 2013 | 1,036 |
| 2012 | 1,091 |
| 2011 | 1,151 |
| 2010 | 1,382 |
| 2009 | 1,460 |
| 2008 | 1,612 |
| 2007 | 1,707 |
| 2006 | 1,599 |
| 2005 | 1,670 |
| 2004 | 1,552 |
| 2003 | 620 |
| 2002 | 232 |
| 2001 | 77 |
| 2000 | 62 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 1998 | 52 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1996 | 37 |
| 1995 | 30 |
| 1994 | 38 |
| 1993 | 29 |
| 1992 | 20 |
| 1991 | 20 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1987 | 12 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1985 | 11 |
| 1984 | 9 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1981 | 10 |
| 1980 | 11 |
| 1979 | 9 |
| 1978 | 9 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1975 | 6 |
| 1974 | 10 |