Cain Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cain come from? What does the surname Cain mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cain and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cain Origin: What does the last name Cain mean?
The surname Cain originated in England in the early 16th century, according to YourRoots data. It is believed to have derived from the Old English term for a metalworker, similar to the occupational origin of the surname Smith. Over time, the Cain surname expanded rapidly within the United States, becoming prominent among individuals of English, Scottish, and Irish descent. Today, the Cain surname is widely present in the United States and other countries around the globe, reflecting its enduring legacy.
Cain Last Name History: Where did the last name Cain come from?
Origin of Cain Surname: Where does the last name Cain originate from?
Based on YourRoots data, the Cain surname first appeared in records from England (United Kingdom) in the early 16th century. This reflects the exact spelling "Cain" in the YourRoots database and does not consider other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cain: What does the Cain surname history look like in the early days?
The Cain surname was initially associated with the United Kingdom in the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, it started expanding rapidly within the United States, as indicated by the increasing volume of records in the YourRoots database. The expansion continued through the 18th and 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cain surname today?
The Cain surname has a significant presence in the United States, particularly from the 16th century onwards. Despite its origins in the United Kingdom, the volume of records in the United States surpasses those in the United Kingdom by the 17th century, a trend continuing through the 18th and 19th centuries. As per the YourRoots data, the Cain surname is widely present today, predominantly in the United States, but also in other countries around the globe.
Explore Cain last name heritage and Cain surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cain Surame?
Dean Cain
Dean George Cain (né Tanaka; born July 31, 1966) is an American actor best known for portraying Clark Kent / Superman in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997. Cain also hosted Ripley's Believe It or Not! and appeared in the sports drama series Hit the Floor. With a diverse ancestry of Japanese, Welsh, Irish, and French Canadian descent, Cain has made appearances in various films and television shows, including Smallville, Supergirl, and God's Not Dead. Known for his role in the Superman franchise, Cain continues to be active in the entertainment industry and has ventured into hosting and reality television.
Jonathan Cain
Jonathan Leonard Friga (born Feb 26, 1950) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known as Jonathan Cain. He is famous for his role as the keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for the band Journey, as well as his work with The Babys and Bad English. Cain has also pursued a solo career in contemporary Christian music. He is a survivor of the Our Lady of the Angels School fire of 1958 and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cain is also a published author and a devout Christian, known for his piano solos at Journey concerts and his contributions to the band's iconic songs.
Herman Cain
Herman Cain (Dec 13, 1945 – Jul 30, 2020) was an American businessman and Tea Party movement activist in the Republican Party. Graduating from Morehouse College with a degree in mathematics, he later became CEO of Godfather's Pizza and chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Cain ran for president in 2012, gaining attention for his 9-9-9 tax plan. Despite controversy, he remained active in politics until his death from COVID-19 at age 74.
Tim Cain
Timothy Cain (born 1965) is an American video game developer and YouTuber best known for creating the iconic 1997 video game Fallout. Cain has made significant contributions to the gaming industry, working on titles such as Fallout, The Temple of Elemental Evil, and Pillars of Eternity. Despite facing challenges in his career, including the closure of Troika Games, Cain's passion for game development has never wavered. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Cain is openly gay and married to his husband Robert Land. With a love for cooking and a talent for programming, Cain continues to leave his mark on the gaming world.
James M. Cain
James Mallahan Cain (July 1, 1892 – October 27, 1977) was an influential American novelist known for his contributions to the hardboiled school of American crime fiction. His famous works, including "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "Double Indemnity," were adapted into successful films. Cain received critical acclaim and a large readership both in the U.S. and abroad. Despite never achieving success as a Hollywood screenwriter, his impact on the crime fiction genre is undeniable. With a background rooted in Irish ancestry, Cain's upbringing and education greatly influenced his writing style, making him a significant figure in American literature.
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