Cassidy is an Irish surname that has evolved into a popular given name for both boys and girls in recent years. The origin of the name can be traced back to the Gaelic word "caisealach," which means "clever" or "sharp-witted." It was originally used as a nickname for someone who was intelligent or cunning.
The Cassidy surname is believed to have originated from one of two places in Ireland: either County Tyrone, where it was derived from an ancient Irish family name, or County Kerry, where it was likely an anglicized form of the Gaelic name O'Caiside. The latter version of the name is thought to have been brought to Ireland by Norman settlers during the 12th century.
Over time, Cassidy has become more commonly used as a given name rather than a surname. This shift in usage can be attributed to its appealing sound and the positive connotations associated with it due to its meaning. In addition, several notable figures with the name Cassidy have helped popularize it as a given name, such as American actors like David Cassidy and Lauren Cassidy.
Today, Cassidy is still predominantly associated with Irish heritage but has gained widespread international recognition and usage. It remains a unisex name that carries the appealing meanings of "clever" or "sharp-witted," making it a attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
The statistics you've provided show the number of babies named Cassidy born each year in the United States from 1968 to 2023. Over this period of nearly six decades, there has been a notable fluctuation in the popularity of the name Cassidy.
In the early years, from 1968 to 1972, the number of babies named Cassidy was relatively low, ranging from just five births per year to a peak of 26 births in 1971. However, starting in 1974, there was a significant increase in the popularity of this name, with over 40 babies being named Cassidy each year until 1985.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a steady rise in the number of births of girls named Cassidy, reaching a peak of 163 births in 1983. This popularity continued throughout the mid to late 1980s, with over 100 babies being named Cassidy each year until 1992.
However, after this period, there was another decline in the popularity of the name Cassidy. From 1993 onwards, fewer than 100 babies were named Cassidy each year, with the exception of a few peaks such as 156 births in 1998 and 147 births in 2001.
Interestingly, there has been another recent increase in the popularity of this name in recent years. Since 2017, over 70 babies have been named Cassidy each year, with a peak of 76 births in 2018.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Cassidy has not consistently been one of the most popular names for girls in the United States, it has had periods of significant popularity. As of 2023, there have been a total of 3623 babies named Cassidy born in the United States since 1968.