Cassandra is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "prophetess" or "she who excels as a man." In Greek mythology, Cassandra was the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. She was gifted with the ability to see into the future but cursed so that no one would believe her prophecies.
Cassandra's name first appeared in Virgil's Aeneid, an epic poem written in the 1st century BCE. In this work, Cassandra is depicted as a priestess of Apollo who has visions of Troy's impending doom but is unable to prevent it due to her curse. This tragic figure has become an iconic symbol in literature and art.
The name Cassandra began to be used as a given name in the late 19th century. It gained popularity during the early 20th century, particularly among families with classical or literary interests. Today, Cassandra is considered a classic yet uncommon name that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Statistics about the name Cassandra in the United States:
* In 1989, there were 152 babies named Cassandra born in the United States.
* Overall, from 1880 to 2019, a total of 346,778 babies were named Cassandra in the United States. This makes Cassandra one of the more popular names for girls during this period.
* The peak year for the name Cassandra was 1990, with 2,555 newborns receiving the name that year.
These statistics demonstrate the enduring popularity of the name Cassandra over time, with a significant number of babies being given this name each year.