Cady is an intriguing and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Mac Ada," which means "son of Ada." Over time, Cady has evolved as a unisex name, gaining popularity in the late 20th century. In literature, the name Cady is perhaps most famously associated with the protagonist Cadence "Cady" Heron in the novel and film "Mean Girls." This association has contributed to the name's modern-day appeal and recognition. Cady is often spelled without the final 'e,' although both spellings are used interchangeably. It is a strong, unique choice for parents seeking a distinct name for their child.
The name Cady experienced a significant boom in popularity during the late 1980s to early 1990s, reaching its peak with 155 births in 1992. However, it has since seen a steady decline, with only 19 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there have been 2410 babies named Cady between 1970 and 2023.