Cashmere Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KASH-meer //ˈkæʃ.mɪr//
Origin: English; Persian
Meaning: English: soft fabric; Persian: made of cashmere wool
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cashmere derives from the Persian word "Kashmir," which refers to a region in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The term itself is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "Kashmira," which means "land of the rivers." The region has a rich history, known for its exquisite textiles, particularly cashmere wool, which has been highly valued since ancient times.
The introduction of the term into English occurred in the early 19th century, primarily through trade and the growing interest in exotic fabrics, leading to the adoption of the name as a descriptor for the luxurious material. Historically, Kashmir has been significant in various cultural and religious contexts.
It has been mentioned in ancient texts, including the Mahabharata, and has been a site of pilgrimage and cultural exchange for centuries. The region was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas and the Mughals, which contributed to its rich tapestry of cultural influences.
The name Cashmere, while primarily associated with the textile, also evokes the historical significance of the region, particularly during the Mughal era in the 16th and 17th centuries when it became a center for art and culture. Culturally, Cashmere is often associated with luxury and elegance due to the fine wool that bears its name.
The fabric became a symbol of wealth and status in various societies, particularly in Europe during the 19th century when cashmere shawls became fashionable among the elite. This association with luxury has helped the name endure, as it evokes a sense of refinement and heritage.
While diminutive forms or variations of the name are not widely recognized, the connection to the luxurious fabric and the historical significance of the Kashmir region contribute to the name's lasting resonance.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cashmere, 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 Cashmere. 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 Cashmere was first seen in the United States in 1920.
Cashmere has ranked as high as #4584 nationally, which occurred in 2020, and has been most popular in New York, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Cashmere has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cashmere 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 Cashmere was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
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 Cashmere.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 49 | 44 | 5 |
| 2024 | 54 | 42 | 12 |
| 2023 | 61 | 47 | 14 |
| 2022 | 62 | 42 | 20 |
| 2021 | 56 | 43 | 13 |
| 2020 | 65 | 40 | 25 |
| 2019 | 49 | 34 | 15 |
| 2018 | 30 | 24 | 6 |
| 2017 | 35 | 17 | 18 |
| 2016 | 38 | 29 | 9 |
| 2015 | 55 | 36 | 19 |
| 2014 | 54 | 28 | 26 |
| 2013 | 54 | 27 | 27 |
| 2012 | 36 | 24 | 12 |
| 2011 | 38 | 22 | 16 |
| 2010 | 38 | 24 | 14 |
| 2009 | 49 | 19 | 30 |
| 2008 | 37 | 21 | 16 |
| 2007 | 40 | 18 | 22 |
| 2006 | 28 | 12 | 16 |
| 2005 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| 2004 | 31 | 6 | 25 |
| 2003 | 26 | 6 | 20 |
| 2002 | 24 | 9 | 15 |
| 2001 | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| 2000 | 30 | 6 | 24 |
| 1999 | 18 | 5 | 13 |
| 1998 | 25 | 5 | 20 |
| 1997 | 23 | 0 | 23 |
| 1996 | 18 | 0 | 18 |
| 1995 | 35 | 0 | 35 |
| 1994 | 32 | 6 | 26 |
| 1993 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 1992 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| 1991 | 19 | 0 | 19 |
| 1990 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| 1989 | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| 1988 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 1987 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 1986 | 14 | 6 | 8 |
| 1984 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| 1983 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1920 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Cashmere (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| MI | 5 | |
| OH | 5 |