Casandra is a unique and captivating female given name of Greek origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in ancient mythology.
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was the daughter of King Priam of Troy and his wife Hecuba. She was blessed with the gift of prophecy by the god Apollo, but cursed so that no one would ever believe her predictions. This tragic figure appears prominently in several classic works, including Homer's "Iliad" and Aeschylus' "Agamemnon."
The name Casandra is derived from the Greek word "kassarein," which means "to excel, to surpass." It can also be translated as "she who excels men." This powerful meaning reflects the intelligence and wisdom of Cassandra, despite her tragic fate.
Over time, the spelling of Cassandra has evolved, with variations such as Cassandre, Casandra, and Kassandra appearing in different languages and cultures. However, regardless of its spelling, the name remains strongly associated with its mythological roots.
Today, Casandra continues to be a beautiful and distinctive name choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful moniker for their daughter. Its connection to ancient mythology adds an air of timelessness and intrigue, while its meaning serves as a powerful reminder of female strength and intelligence.
The name Cassandra has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. From just five babies named Cassandra in 1940, the number of annual births with this name steadily increased to reach its peak in 1982 with 439 newborn girls named Cassandra.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the popularity of the name Cassandra grew consistently, reaching triple digits by 1964. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a surge in its popularity, with over 300 babies named Cassandra each year from 1978 to 1982.
However, the trend began to shift in the mid-1980s. While still popular, the number of annual births named Cassandra started to decrease. By the turn of the century, the popularity of the name had significantly declined. In 2000, only 322 babies were named Cassandra, marking a substantial drop from its peak in the early 1980s.
This downward trend continued into the 21st century. By 2010, fewer than 100 babies were named Cassandra each year. In recent years, the name has become quite rare, with only 14 births recorded in 2023.
In total, since records began in 1940 until 2023, there have been 15,763 babies named Cassandra in the United States. While once a popular choice for parents, Cassandra has become less common over time, with its usage fluctuating significantly over the decades.