A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Cass since 1881
Babies named Cass per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1989, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cass's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 13 |
| 1890s | 0 | 6 |
| 1900s | 0 | 17 |
| 1910s | 0 | 79 |
| 1920s | 0 | 81 |
| 1930s | 0 | 43 |
| 1940s | 7 | 89 |
| 1950s | 25 | 170 |
| 1960s | 18 | 222 |
| 1970s | 36 | 197 |
| 1980s | 21 | 242 |
| 1990s | 16 | 184 |
| 2000s | 5 | 162 |
| 2010s | 5 | 221 |
| 2020s | 0 | 134 |
Meaning & origin
Cass is a short, punchy name that has been in use in the United States since at least 1881, when it ranked 5,045th. After a long period of low usage, the name has been rising again since 2002, reflecting a broader trend toward short, vintage-sounding names. Its peak popularity came in its first recorded year, 1881, and it has never reached the top ranks, making it a rare but recognizable choice. Cass is most frequently found in California, which tops the list of states where the name is given. As a diminutive of longer names like Cassander or Cassidy, Cass offers a crisp, informal alternative to more formal given names. Uncertainty remains about its exact origin, but its use in the 1880s suggests it was an established nickname that occasionally stood on its own.
Cass originated as a short form of Greek-derived names like Cassander (from Kassandros, "shining upon man") and Cassandra, and also of the Irish surname Cassidy. In the United States, Cass was used as an independent given name from the 19th century, often for boys. It saw a revival in the 2000s and remains a concise, informal choice.
Where Cass is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Cass
Names that share Cass's style, for a brother or sister.
