At a glance
- In short
- Cardinal: A strong and distinguished name of Latin origin, associated with leadership, strength, and intelligence. Pronounced KAHR-dn-uhl in English.
- U.S. rank 2025
- Not in the 2025 data · last seen 2021 (#10,799)
- Babies in 2021
- 6 (<0.01% of boys)
- First recorded
- 2021 (the only year on record)
Meaning of Cardinal
Originating from the Latin word "cardinalis," meaning "important" or "principal," the name Cardinal carries a strong and distinguished presence. Primarily considered a male name, Cardinal is associated with qualities such as leadership, strength, and intelligence. The English pronunciation of KAHR-dn-uhl (/ˈkɑr.dn.əl/) perfectly captures its essence. The Italian pronunciation of kar-dee-NAHL (/kar.di.nal/) adds an air of elegance and sophistication to the name, while the French pronunciation of kar-dee-NAL (/kaʁ.di.nal/) adds a touch of continental charm. With variations like Cardinale, this name offers versatility and uniqueness for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful choice for their baby boy. With six occurrences in 2021 in the United States of America, Cardinal holds an intriguing rarity that will make any child stand out among their peers.
How to pronounce Cardinal
English
- Pronounced KAHR-dn-uhl /ˈkɑr.dn.əl/
Italian
- Pronounced kar-dee-NAHL /kar.di.nal/
French
- Pronounced kar-dee-NAL /kaʁ.di.nal/
Popularity of Cardinal in the U.S.
Cardinal appears in the records for the U.S. only in 2021, ranked #10,799 with 6 babies.
- Rank among U.S. boy names (right scale)
Year-by-year table, 2021 1 row
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | 10,799 | new |
Notable people named Cardinal
- Cardinal Mazarin — Jules Mazarin was an Italian cardinal and diplomat who served as chief minister to French kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV.
- Armand Jean du Plessis, known as Cardinal Richelieu, was a powerful French statesman and Catholic leader nicknamed the Red Eminence.