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Cadence

Girl name · 57 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Cadence: 57 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 10 births in 2006.

Derived from the Latin *cadentia* meaning “a falling,” Cadence entered English via musical terminology to describe a rhythmic flow or sequence of chords. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, first gaining popularity in the United States before appearing on Scottish birth registers from the 1990s onward. While no universally famous bearers come to the fore, the name carries a contemporary, creative feel often chosen by parents with a musical background or love of rhythm. It has no direct place connections, though it shares its root with words like “cascade” and “decadence.” A notable variant is Cadenza, the Italian musical term for a virtuosic passage, giving Cadence a similarly artistic but more understated sibling.