Kassandra

Meaning & origin

Kassandra, a variant spelling of Cassandra, offers a distinctive twist on a classic name rooted in Greek mythology. The name's popularity in the U.S. peaked in 1993, when it ranked substantially higher than its current position at 1173 in 2025. Since 1994, its usage has been gradually declining, though it remains a familiar choice, with about 1 in every 8,159 newborn girls receiving the name in 2025. The variant spelling with a 'K' first appeared in U.S. records in 1945, and it has been particularly favored in states such as Nevada, California, and Illinois. While the mythological association with Cassandra's tragic gift of prophecy may be known, the name itself carries no negative connotation in modern usage. The spelling 'Kassandra' provides a modern feel while retaining the historical depth of the original Greek name.

Kassandra is a variant of Cassandra, from the Greek name Κασσάνδρα (Kassandra). The first element is possibly κέκασμαι (kekasmai) meaning 'to excel, to shine' or κέκασται (kekastai) meaning 'to surpass', while the second is ἀνήρ (aner) meaning 'man'. Thus, the name is often interpreted as 'she who entangles men' or 'shining upon men'. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Trojan princess granted the gift of prophecy by Apollo, but cursed so that no one would believe her. The name entered English through the Latin and French forms, and the spelling with 'K' gained popularity in the late 20th century, influenced by alternative spellings and the nickname 'Kassy'.