In a side conversation in my recent post about my top 25 names, one name was suggested to me, Caian, as an alternative to one of my name choices (Kaiyan- which is an Afghani name meaning ‘universe’ and a Nigerian name meaning ‘long hoped for child’). It seems to me that the pronunciation of Caian and Kaiyan may be very similar, and I do much prefer the spelling of Caian. However, I am having the hardest time finding any information on the true origins and accurate pronunciation of Caian. Does anyone here have access to any resources I might have missed that has some information on this name?
It was suggested by someone that it is quite possible it relates to the Latin names [name]Caius[/name] and [name]Caia[/name], which both mean ‘to rejoice’, and that does seem like a strong possibility. But I can’t find any solid information about this name anywhere out there in the internet ether. It’s an old name, even the given name of a saint from the 5th century who was related to the [name]King[/name] of [name]Wales[/name] (and as it so happens my family line actually also connects me in direct relation with some old Welsh royalty way back when), so it seems like it’s gotta be a genuine name with genuine roots in perhaps Latin or Welsh (?).
It has a strong possibility of being the name we choose (it’s in our top 4 now-- along with [name]Cian[/name], [name]Caius[/name] and [name]Amias[/name]), and has the added bonus of being among both my mom’s and my dad’s top 3 among our large list of top 40 or so names that we’ve narrowed down from (none of our other top 4 made the cut for both of them— not a breaking point or anything, but I like the idea of having a name both my parents would appreciate too). But it’s really hard for me to choose a name when I really can’t find anything definite about it’s origins. Anyone know anything about this name?
Sorry, no, I don’t. I sympathize with your frustration and hope you can find some info on Caian. I like [name]Caius[/name] and [name]Gaius[/name] and even [name]Kay[/name] (as a middle name) for a boy and agree that Caian may well share their origins. I love the meaning “rejoicing.” I searched Caian on two other online name sites and didn’t find anything. Here’s another similar option: Cainan Cainan - Meaning of Cainan, What does Cainan mean?.
And I also found a Catholic article about the Welsh St. Caian, and in my opinion this quote strengthens the idea that Caian is a form of [name]Caius[/name]: “Caian gives his name to the hamlet of Tregaian in which the church is situated: the Welsh word tref (shortened here to tre) means “settlement”, and “‑gaian” is a modified form of the saint’s name – i.e. “Caian’s settlement”. Tregaian is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north of Llangefni, the county town of Anglesey, and the church is in the countryside by a small road.”
Since [name]Caius[/name] and [name]Gaius[/name] are forms of the same name, substituting the G for the C, the fact that the same thing happened with Caian’s name–“Tregaian” rather than “Trecaian”–might support the idea that the names are related.
A rare name, indeed, but it seems to be legitimate. Best wishes!
P.S. After posting this, I proceeded to check my armful of baby name books. I found only one more clue, but I think it’s a hopeful one. Under the name [name]Cai[/name], which is a Welsh variant of [name]Caius[/name], one of my books lists Caw as an alternative spelling. Now, in the Catholic article I read, I found that some sources give Caw as the name of St. Caian’s father. That would be an obvious connection: Caw = [name]Cai[/name] = Caian. St. Caian could have been named for his father.
I appreciate the effort! Thanks for helping me figure out some more puzzle pieces about this name. Gradually, I feel like I’m getting a beter understanding about the origins of this name (or at least the likely origins). I think Caian must be based on the Welsh word [name]Cai[/name], which is rooted in the Latin word [name]Caius[/name]/[name]Gaius[/name]/[name]Caia[/name], with perhaps just a bit of variation added in the mix. Still gonna be doing a bit more research and asking around before I finalize whether or not I love this name.
You’re welcome! I hope you can find something concrete, though I too think Caian must be based on [name]Cai[/name]. You don’t happen to know any Welsh Catholic history buffs/name nerds who might be familiar with the story of St. Caian, do you? Apparently little is known about him, and I feel he could be the key to this name mystery.
Best wishes!