Cassidy Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAS-i-dee //ˈkæsiˌdi//
Origin: Irish; English
Meaning: Irish: 'curly-haired'; English: 'descendant of the one-eyed'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cassidy has its roots in the Irish surname O'Cathasaigh, which translates to "descendant of Cathasach," with Cathasach meaning "vigilant" or "watchful" in Gaelic. The name evolved through various forms, including the anglicized version Cassidy, which became more common in the 19th century as Irish surnames were adopted as given names, particularly among Irish immigrants to English-speaking countries.
The transition from surname to first name reflects a broader trend in naming practices during this period, where familial connections were emphasized in personal identity. Historically, the name Cassidy is associated with the Gaelic nobility of Ireland, particularly in the province of Ulster.
The O'Cathasaigh clan was known for its leadership and influence in the region, contributing to the name's significance in Irish heritage. The name gained further recognition through various cultural references, including literature and music, which celebrated Irish identity and history.
Notably, the name appears in various forms in Irish folklore and storytelling, where characters embodying the traits of vigilance and watchfulness are often depicted. Culturally, Cassidy has been embraced in both Irish and broader Anglo-American contexts, symbolizing a connection to heritage and tradition.
The name carries connotations of strength and resilience, qualities that have resonated through generations. Additionally, the diminutive form Cassie has emerged as a familiar and affectionate variant, further embedding the name in familial and social contexts.
Overall, Cassidy reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance, marking its place in the lexicon of names.
Famous people named Cassidy
In this section, you will find notable people named Cassidy. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Cassidy who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Cassidy who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Cassidy is a rapper best known for I'm a Hustla, Hotel, and Get No Better.
Cassidy Freeman is an actress best known for Smallville, The Vampire Diaries, and Longmire.
Cassidy Gifford is a television personality best known for co-hosting the show Home & Family.
Fictional characters named Cassidy
The following list of fictional characters named Cassidy is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Cassidy is a fictional character from the comic book series Preacher. They are a vampire and the main character's best friend, known for their rebellious nature and complex moral code.
Cassidy is a fictional character from the video game series The Last of Us. He is a member of a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world, showcasing themes of loyalty and survival.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cassidy, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Cassidy. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cassidy was first seen in the United States in 1969.
Cassidy has ranked as high as #203 nationally, which occurred in 1999, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Cassidy has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cassidy is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cassidy was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Cassidy (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 84 | |
| TX | 54 | |
| PA | 36 | |
| FL | 32 | |
| NY | 30 | |
| NC | 27 | |
| NJ | 27 | |
| OH | 26 | |
| GA | 24 | |
| IL | 24 | |
| VA | 21 | |
| MD | 20 | |
| MA | 18 | |
| MO | 16 | |
| WA | 14 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cassidy.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 646 |
| 2023 | 617 |
| 2022 | 659 |
| 2021 | 655 |
| 2020 | 765 |
| 2019 | 865 |
| 2018 | 869 |
| 2017 | 1,002 |
| 2016 | 1,123 |
| 2015 | 1,236 |
| 2014 | 1,311 |
| 2013 | 1,274 |
| 2012 | 1,140 |
| 2011 | 1,126 |
| 2010 | 1,286 |
| 2009 | 1,359 |
| 2008 | 1,490 |
| 2007 | 1,656 |
| 2006 | 1,771 |
| 2005 | 1,833 |
| 2004 | 2,007 |
| 2003 | 2,235 |
| 2002 | 2,634 |
| 2001 | 3,029 |
| 2000 | 3,163 |
| 1999 | 3,395 |
| 1998 | 3,045 |
| 1997 | 3,143 |
| 1996 | 2,844 |
| 1995 | 3,042 |
| 1994 | 2,306 |
| 1993 | 1,028 |
| 1992 | 725 |
| 1991 | 610 |
| 1990 | 521 |
| 1989 | 482 |
| 1988 | 405 |
| 1987 | 396 |
| 1986 | 371 |
| 1985 | 416 |
| 1984 | 406 |
| 1983 | 358 |
| 1982 | 219 |
| 1981 | 157 |
| 1980 | 131 |
| 1979 | 108 |
| 1978 | 102 |
| 1977 | 72 |
| 1976 | 62 |
| 1975 | 54 |
| 1974 | 36 |
| 1973 | 28 |
| 1972 | 32 |
| 1971 | 17 |
| 1970 | 12 |
| 1969 | 5 |