CAIN
Cain
Cain is a British surname with diverse origins and historical significance. The name ‘Cain’ has multiple possible derivations.
One possible origin of the surname is from the Old French personal name 'Cain', which itself originated from the Biblical figure Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve. In this context, the name could have been bestowed as a nickname upon someone associated with the characteristics of the biblical character. Alternatively, it could have been a baptismal name given 'in the cradle' to an infant, symbolising preciousness.
Another possible origin is the Gaelic surname 'Mac Cathain', which translates to 'son of Cathan'. It is believed that this name originated in Ireland and Scotland and was later anglicised to 'Cain'.
The distribution of the Cain surname is widespread across the British Isles. The name can be found in various historical records, pointing to its presence in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Cain have made notable contributions in various fields. From politics to the arts, the Cain name has left an indelible mark on British society.
In contemporary times, the Cain surname continues to be prevalent, reflecting the rich history and diversity of the British Isles.
There are approximately 11,122 people named Cain in the UK. That makes it the 827th most common surname in Britain. Around 171 in a million people in Britain are named Cain.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Caan
- Cagna
- Cagni
- Cahn
- Cai
- Caia
- Caina
- Caine
- Caines
- Cainey
- Caink
- Cainn
- Cains
- Can
- Cana
- Canaii
- Canay
- Cand
- Cane
- Canes
- Caney
- Cang
- Cani
- Canie
- Canies
- Canin
- Canis
- Cank
- Canm
- Cann
- Canna
- Canne
- Cannee
- Cannes
- Cannie
- Cannis
- Canns
- Canny
- Cano
- Canoe
- Canoo
- Canow
- Cans
- Cant
- Canu
- Cany
- Cayne
- Caynes
- Cian
- Cone
- Coon
- Cownie
- Ghani
- Gunn
- Gwyn
- Gwynn
- Gwynne
- Kaan
- Kahn
- Kain
- Kaina
- Kaine
- Kaines
- Kaini
- Kains
- Kainz
- Kan
- Kane
- Kann
- Kanu
- Kayn
- Kean
- Keen
- Keene
- Kein
- Kenn
- Keown
- Kewn
- Keyne
- Kiani
- Kyne
- Quan
- Quinn
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.