Casmir is a name of Polish origin, derived from the Slavic element "kas'meěr," which means "to destroy" or "to cut down." The name was popular among the nobility in medieval Poland and is believed to have been brought to the country by way of Germany, where it was used as a shortened form of names such as Casimir von Baden or Kasimir Kolbowitz.
The name Casmir gained prominence in Polish history with King Casimir III the Great (Kazimierz III Wielki), who ruled from 1310 until his death in 1370. He was known for his military prowess and political acumen, and is credited with expanding the Kingdom of Poland and establishing it as a major power in Eastern Europe. His legacy has made the name Casmir synonymous with strength, wisdom, and leadership in Polish culture.
In literature, the name Casmir appears in several works by prominent authors. In "The Mysteries of Udolpho" by Ann Radcliffe, Casimir is a character who plays a significant role in the story's plot. Additionally, Casimir Pulaski, a Polish general who fought in the American Revolutionary War, is remembered as a hero in both Poland and the United States.
While the name Casmir has historical and literary significance, it is not particularly popular today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only 5 boys were named Casimir in the United States in 2019, making it a rare but distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique moniker with a rich history.
In conclusion, Casmir is a name of Polish origin that means "to destroy" or "to cut down." It has been associated with strength and leadership throughout history, particularly through King Casimir III the Great. Although not commonly used today, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a distinct name for their child.
The name Casimir has been given to a total of 328 babies born in the United States between the years 1913 and 2023, with varying popularity over time.
In its peak years, Casimir was given to 24 newborns in both 1918 and 1919. However, after 1924, the name's popularity began to decline significantly, with only 5 or fewer births per year until 2003. There was a slight resurgence in the early 2000s, with 5 births each in 2003, 2005, and 2008.
More recently, Casimir has seen a modest increase in popularity, with 11 births recorded in 2020, followed by 10 births in 2021 and 7 births in 2022. In the most recent year for which data is available (2023), there have been 8 births named Casimir.
While not a highly popular name throughout history, Casimir has maintained a steady presence among American newborns, with fluctuations in popularity over time.