Cassiopeia is a unique and captivating female name of Greek origin. It comes from the mythological figure Cassiopeia, who was Queen of Ethiopia. In Greek mythology, Cassiopeia boasted about her beauty being greater than that of the Nereids, sea nymphs who were daughters of Poseidon.
As punishment for her arrogance, Zeus ordered that she be tied to a chair in the sky as a constellation, where she would forever circle the North Pole, experiencing both extreme heat and cold. The constellation Cassiopeia is named after this mythological figure and can be recognized by its distinctive W or M shape.
The name Cassiopeia has no specific meaning, but it has been associated with the qualities of beauty, pride, and wisdom due to its origin story. Despite its origins in Greek mythology, the name Cassiopeia has been used in various cultures throughout history, including in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Today, Cassiopeia is considered a rare and exotic name, often chosen by parents who want to give their child a unique and memorable moniker with a rich historical and mythological background. It is also sometimes used as a middle name or shortened to the nickname "Cassie." Overall, Cassiopeia is a distinctive and intriguing name that stands out for its association with mythology, beauty, and wisdom.
The name Cassiopeia has been given to a total of 368 babies in the United States between 1979 and 2023. The number of births varied each year, with peaks occurring in certain years.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Cassiopeia was given to around 9-15 babies per year. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 1984, with 15 babies being named Cassiopeia. However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the mid-1980s, with only 8 births recorded in 1985.
The trend continued into the 1990s, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded between 1991 and 2000. The lowest point occurred in 1992 and 1994, with only 5 babies being named Cassiopeia each year.
However, the name began to regain some popularity in the early 2000s, with around 8-12 births per year recorded between 2000 and 2007. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 2005, with 12 babies being named Cassiopeia.
The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, with around 5-9 births per year recorded. However, there was a notable spike in 2014, with 12 births recorded that year.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Cassiopeia has been increasing once again. Between 2017 and 2023, there were around 10-18 births per year recorded, with the highest number occurring in 2022 and 2023, with 18 babies being named Cassiopeia each year.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Cassiopeia has varied over the years, it remains a unique and distinct name choice for parents looking for something different.