Cable
A boy's name of French origin with 170 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Anglo-Norman.
Cable is a boy's baby name of French origin, from the Anglo-Norman surname meaning 'rope maker' — an occupational name from the Old French cable, itself from Medieval Latin capulum.
As a first name, Cable has a modern, punchy quality that suits the era of strong, monosyllabic names. It carries a sense of strength and connection — a cable that holds things together — which gives it an unexpectedly meaningful depth.
EtymologyShow more
Cable is cataloged under the French naming tradition. French names blend Latin roots with Norman, Frankish, and Gallic influences, often lending an air of elegance and formality.
In the U.S., Cable has been recorded as a boy's name since 1972, with 170 total births. Browse the French names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Cable has 24+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1972.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 8 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 68 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 30 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 27 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 11 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 26 | — |
The Story of Cable
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2019, Cable is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Cable are most likely born between 2009 and 2020.
How rare is Cable?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Cable is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1972, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 68 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Cable by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(24 years, 1972–2020)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | #8863 |
| 2019 | 16 | #5594 |
| 2018 | 6 | #10993 |
| 2017 | 6 | #10988 |
| 2015 | 7 | #9720 |
| 2013 | 7 | #9804 |
| 2012 | 10 | #7634 |
| 2011 | 8 | #8879 |
| 2010 | 8 | #8924 |
| 2009 | 6 | #11207 |
| 2005 | 5 | #11712 |
| 2004 | 7 | #9073 |
| 2002 | 5 | #10899 |
| 2001 | 7 | #8448 |
| 1999 | 9 | #6612 |
| 1997 | 6 | #8270 |
| 1995 | 5 | #9044 |
| 1990 | 7 | #6493 |
| 1988 | 5 | #7425 |
| 1986 | 6 | #6028 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cable a boy's or girl's name?
When was Cable most popular?
How popular is the name Cable?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1972–2020