Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Cassandra is of Greek origin, meaning 'prophetess' or 'one who excels over men'. It has evolved through various forms from Ancient Greek to Modern English. The name is often associated with strong female figures in literature and culture, although it has no direct biblical relevance. Its popularity surged during the Renaissance and continues to be well-regarded today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/kəˈsændrə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Cassandra comes from the Greek name Κασσάνδρα, which is derived from the elements 'kassandra' meaning 'shining upon man' or 'man’s defender'.
Meaning
Prophetess; one who excels over men
Language Evolution
Κασσάνδρα (Kassandra) - Ancient Greek, Cassandra - Latin, Cassandra - Modern English
Historical Usage
Cassandra gained popularity in the Western world during the Renaissance, especially due to its association with the Greek mythological figure who was given the gift of prophecy.
Variants & Derivatives
Cassie, Cassy, Sandrine
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Cassandra is seen as elegant and sophisticated, often associated with strong, independent women.
Famous People
Cassandra Wilson - American jazz singer, Cassandra Clare - American author, Cassandra Peterson - American actress and singer
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,073 peak births in 1990
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Arizona
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (7 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 7 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4970th of 7552 | 34 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4186th of 10718 | 98 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3880th of 16616 | 211 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14707th of 24088 | 33 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3383rd of 9107 | 130 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 895th of 9204 | 1,200 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 297th of 12526 | 16,832 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 158th of 19264 | 30,393 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 65th of 27321 | 81,525 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 157th of 35406 | 34,269 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 595th of 30306 | 6,194 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
100.00% 1379th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
42.24% 653rd/1546 |
38.88% 605th/1556 |
41.44% 975th/2353 |
54.95% 850th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
14.55% 324th/2227 |
14.07% 342nd/2430 |
8.06% 230th/2853 |
14.56% 404th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.75% 169th/2937 |
6.49% 226th/3483 |
3.58% 126th/3518 |
4.62% 187th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.44% 53rd/3685 |
1.56% 70th/4475 |
1.52% 79th/5194 |
0.90% 57th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.08% 141st/4582 |
2.59% 134th/5164 |
2.84% 208th/7313 |
1.81% 135th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.07% 680th/3984 |
10.90% 489th/4487 |
10.67% 728th/6822 |
7.22% 453rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Arizona across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4970th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4186th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3880th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14707th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3383rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 895th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 297th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 158th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 65th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 157th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 595th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.