Cacey

Meaning & origin

Cacey is a modern respelling of Casey that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1974. It reached its peak popularity in 1995, reflecting a broader trend of creative spellings for traditional names during the 1990s. While not currently ranked in the top 1000, its trajectory has remained stable through 2025, suggesting it has maintained a niche but consistent presence. Though historically an Irish surname, the Cacey variant is a distinctly American invention, chosen for its phonetic appeal rather than historical roots. The name has not been recorded in any top state data, indicating its use is spread thinly across the country, typical of names outside the mainstream rankings.

Cacey is a modern respelling of Casey, which comes from the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Cathasaigh, meaning 'descendant of Cathasach', a personal name derived from 'cathasach' meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful'. The name entered English usage as a given name in the 20th century, and the Cacey variant emerged in the 1970s, peaking in popularity during the 1990s.