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At a Glance: Name: Cain – Meaning: craftsman or smith, from a Hebrew root also linked to metalworking; popularly explained in Genesis as related to 'acquire/possess' – Origin: Hebrew – Gender: Boy – Pronunciation: KAYN
Cain (pronounced KAYN) is a Hebrew name most people associate with the Genesis line 'I have gotten a man from the Lord,' which is often read as meaning 'acquired' or 'possession.' That explanation actually comes from the Bible's own wordplay — linguists more often trace the root to 'craftsman' or 'smith,' tied to metalworking and the Kenite tribe. For parents drawn to a short, sturdy, Hebrew-rooted name, that's the more grounded story behind it.
Meaning & Origin of Cain
Meaning: Craftsman or smith, from a hebrew root also linked to metalworking; popularly explained in genesis as related to 'acquire/possess'.
Origin: Hebrew.
A common claim: Said to mean 'acquired' or 'possession,' per Genesis 4:1 ('I have gotten a man from the Lord'). Actually: This is the folk etymology given within the Bible itself; linguists more often connect the Hebrew root to 'craftsman/smith,' paralleling the Kenite tribe of metalworkers.
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Cain
Phonetic: KAYN IPA: /ˈkeɪn/
Popularity of Cain
Cain reached its highest point in 2014, ranking #726 with 330 babies given the name that year. By 2024 it had eased to #974, with 230 babies named Cain.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1910–2024.
Make Cain Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Cain, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
FAQ
What does the name Cain mean?
Craftsman or smith, from a hebrew root also linked to metalworking; popularly explained in genesis as related to ‘acquire/possess’. (Source: Wiktionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Cain)
How do you pronounce Cain?
Cain is pronounced KAYN (IPA: /ˈkeɪn/).
Is Cain a popular name right now?
Cain peaked at #726 in 2014 and is ranked #974 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1910–2024.)
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