"round, barrel-maker"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Kade
Pronunciation: [ k-AYD ]
Boy Name
#346 Most Popular
Steady
1 Syllable
A crisp, modern one-syllable with timeless muscle
American
English
Scottish
Modern
Strong
Minimalist
Bold
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"from the wetlands"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scottish
The Story of Kade
Kade is a variant spelling of Cade, which has multiple possible origins. One theory traces it to the Old English or Old French 'cade' meaning 'round barrel' or 'cask,' used as a surname for a barrel-maker. Another etymology connects it to Scottish Gaelic 'cad' referring to wetlands or bog land, or possibly from an Old English personal name meaning 'lump' or 'round.' Some also suggest a connection to the Latin 'caedere' (to cut), though this is less supported.
Kade (and Cade) have grown steadily in the US since the 1990s as part of the trend toward short, strong one-syllable names for boys. The K-spelling distinguishes it from the more traditional Cade and appeals to parents wanting a modern feel. It's particularly popular in the American South and Midwest.
Cade is also a historical surname — Jack Cade led a famous English rebellion against Henry VI in 1450, featured in Shakespeare's Henry VI. The variant Kade is primarily a modern American given name with no specific cultural weight beyond its crisp, masculine sound.
Fun Facts
- Jack Cade led a major uprising against King Henry VI in 1450, appearing as a character in Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 2
- One-syllable names like Kade have surged in popularity as parents favor simplicity and strength
- Cade and Kade are both accepted spellings, with Cade being the more traditional form
Kade in Other Languages
French
Kade
German
Kade
Spanish
Kade
Japanese
ケイド
Portuguese
Kade
Famous People Named Kade
C
Cade Cunningham
Athlete
2001
American professional basketball player and first overall NBA draft pick in 2021, plays for the Detroit Pistons
J
Jack Cade
Military
1420
Leader of a major English rebellion in 1450 against Henry VI, immortalized by Shakespeare in Henry VI Part 2
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #346
- Total SSA Count
- 986
- Cultural Origins
- American English Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Kade Thomas
Kade Owen
Kade Elliot
Kade Hunter
Kade James
Kade River
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Kade is also used as a girl name, ranked #7579.
View Kade as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kade
What does the name Kade mean?
"round, barrel-maker" (from Old English). "from the wetlands" (from Scottish Gaelic). Kade is a variant spelling of Cade, which has multiple possible origins. One theory traces it to the Old English or Old French 'cade' meaning 'round barrel' or 'cask,' used as a surname for a barrel-maker. Another etymology connects it to Scottish Gaelic 'cad' referring to wetlands or bog land, or possibly from an Old English personal name meaning 'lump' or 'round.' Some also suggest a connection to the Latin 'caedere' (to cut), though this is less supported.
What is the origin of the name Kade?
Kade has Old English, Scottish Gaelic, American, English, and Scottish origins. In Old English, it means "round, barrel-maker". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "from the wetlands".
Is Kade a boy or girl name?
Kade is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #346. As a girl name, it is ranked #7579. Kade is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kade?
Kade is pronounced k-AYD.
How popular is the name Kade?
Kade is currently ranked #346 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kade?
Popular middle name pairings include Kade Thomas, Kade Owen, Kade Elliot, Kade Hunter, Kade James, and Kade River.
What are good sibling names for Kade?
Names that pair well with Kade as siblings include Chase, Blake, Brynn, Sloane, Reid, and Tatum.
How many syllables does Kade have?
Kade has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kade a common or rare name?
Kade is a popular name, ranked #346 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Kade
Kade is a boy name with American, English, and Scottish origins . The name means "round, barrel-maker" in Old English .
Is Kade a boy or girl name? Kade is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #346 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #7,579. Kade is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kade is currently ranked #346 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kade has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-AYD, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kade include Kaden, Kadence, Kadyn, Kadin, Kadir . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.