Cassady

Meaning & origin

Cassady is a modern given name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1977, likely as a respelling of the more established Cassidy. While Cassidy has deep Irish roots, Cassady's spelling reflects a trend toward distinctive variants that became especially popular in the 1990s. The name peaked in 1999 at rank 1,494, but has since declined in usage. As of 2025, it ranks 14,942, with a 1-in-321,453 birth rate, though its trajectory has been rising since 2022. Cassady remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a familiar but slightly unconventional spelling. It is primarily used for girls, aligning with the broader pattern of surname-styled names for daughters.

Cassady is most likely a variant spelling of Cassidy, an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Caiside, meaning 'descendant of Caiside', a personal name thought to mean 'curly-haired' or 'curly-headed'. The Cassidy surname was established in counties Fermanagh and Monaghan. As a given name, Cassady emerged in the late 20th century, becoming more common for girls in the 1990s.