Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kacey is of English origin, derived from the Irish surname O'Cathasaigh, meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful'. The name has evolved from its historical forms through Casey to its current variant Kacey. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is often seen as trendy and youthful. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name, but it is linked to notable figures in contemporary culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪsi/
Origin
English
Etymology
Kacey is a modern variant of the name Casey, which derives from the Irish surname O'Cathasaigh, meaning 'descendant of Cathasach', where Cathasach means 'vigilant' or 'watchful'.
Meaning
vigilant, watchful
Language Evolution
O'Cathasaigh, Casey, Kacey
Historical Usage
Kacey gained popularity in the late 20th century as a unisex name, often used for both boys and girls.
Variants & Derivatives
Casey, Kasey, Kaycee
Modern Popularity & Image
Kacey is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with youthfulness and creativity.
Famous People
Kacey Musgraves, a renowned country music singer, Kacey Jordan, an American adult film actress
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 463 peak births in 1991
Geographic Spread
Popular across 39 US states, with strongest presence in Colorado
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (32 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 32 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2203rd of 10718 | 294 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1583rd of 16616 | 794 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2392nd of 24088 | 762 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1590th of 23106 | 1,269 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7019th of 12526 | 50 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1335th of 19264 | 1,318 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 681st of 27321 | 4,692 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1075th of 35406 | 3,552 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1324th of 30306 | 2,137 |
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) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
- |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
43.60% 1763rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
49.80% 1835th/3685 |
- |
38.83% 2017th/5194 |
28.87% 1824th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
52.75% 2417th/4582 |
58.11% 3001st/5164 |
45.13% 3300th/7313 |
34.17% 2550th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
39.51% 1574th/3984 |
45.67% 2049th/4487 |
16.92% 1154th/6822 |
38.10% 2391st/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female 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) |
46.65% 1370th/2937 |
49.24% 1715th/3483 |
34.34% 1208th/3518 |
28.88% 1168th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
18.07% 666th/3685 |
18.37% 822nd/4475 |
11.73% 609th/5194 |
12.25% 774th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
24.86% 1139th/4582 |
17.72% 915th/5164 |
14.63% 1070th/7313 |
16.31% 1217th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
37.78% 1505th/3984 |
27.39% 1229th/4487 |
18.94% 1292nd/6822 |
21.02% 1319th/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 Colorado across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South 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 relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2203rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1583rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2392nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1590th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7019th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1335th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 681st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1075th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1324th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.