MallowbyNames

Casey

KAY-see · Vigilant in war or alert, of uncertain origin.

2025 rank (boys)
#320
Babies named in 2025
1,072
Peak popularity
1988
2025 frequency
1 in 1,593 boys
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Rising since 2015

Rising since 2015, #320 for boys today.

Popularity of Casey since 1888

Babies named Casey per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1.4k2.8k4.1k192019602000Most births 1990GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1880s06
1890s037
1900s089
1910s0444
1920s10347
1930s0277
1940s48571
1950s4312,656
1960s9594,723
1970s8,64618,987
1980s27,91835,968
1990s25,90129,253
2000s9,12112,261
2010s3,5915,582
2020s1,4755,474

Meaning & origin

Casey is a unisex name of Irish origin that entered the U.S. top 1,000 in 1888 and reached its peak rank in 1988. Since 2015, its popularity has been rising, though it remains at a modest rank of 320 in 2025. About 1 in every 1,593 newborns receives the name, which is most common in Delaware, New Hampshire, and West Virginia. Its Irish roots derive from the surname Ó Cathasaigh, and a long history of use among Irish Americans has helped it endure as a versatile, modern-feeling choice. The name's simple two-syllable sound and spelling have made it a staple for parents seeking a name that works equally well for any gender.

Casey is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh, meaning 'descendant of Cathasach,' which itself derives from cath 'battle' and the suffix -asach. The name was used as a given name in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. It gained broader popularity in the United States in the late 20th century, especially after the rise of the unisex name trend.

Where Casey is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Casey” around the world

Where Casey lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    10

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    47

    babies in 2025

  • New Zealand

    20

    babies in 2025

  • Quebec

    13

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Case

Variants: Kasey, Kacey, Cayce, Casie

Sibling names for Casey

Names that share Casey's style, for a brother or sister.

Names like Casey

Names whose popularity has moved with Casey's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Casey, our favorite little person.

C is for Casey…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Casey's letter becomes Casey's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Casey's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Casey mean?
Casey is derived from the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh, meaning 'descendant of Cathasach,' with Cathasach likely meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful in battle.'
How popular is the name Casey currently?
As of 2025, Casey ranks 320th for all births in the United States, meaning approximately 1 in 1,593 newborns are named Casey.
Is Casey a boy or girl name?
Casey is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls, though its popularity peaked for boys in 1988.