Kane is an English masculine given name that originated from the Irish surname Ó Cáin. The surname is derived from the Irish word "cain" which means "warm". It is believed to have been associated with a person who was kind-hearted or had a pleasant disposition.
The name Kane gained popularity in England during the medieval period and has since become a popular choice for parents looking for unique names for their sons. The name has also been used in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Kane is often associated with the character of the same name from the popular video game series "Mortal Kombat". In the games, Kane is the ruler of the Outworld realm and is known for his ruthless tactics. However, this association does not detract from the name's original meaning and Irish origins.
In literature, Kane has been used as a character name in several works, including the novel "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón and the play "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov.
Overall, Kane is a unique and distinctive given name with Irish origins and a warm meaning. Despite its association with a fictional video game character, Kane remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name that is both meaningful and different from traditional names.
The name Kane experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, with a peak of 944 births in 2016 and 1054 births in 2018. However, there has been a recent decline, with only 792 births recorded in 2023. Overall, from 1953 to 2023, Kane has seen a total of 18083 births.