Cassidy is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Gaelic surname "Ó Cathasaigh," which means "descendant of Cathach." The name Cathach, in turn, comes from the Gaelic word "catha," meaning "battle" or "battle-like."
The Cassidy surname has a rich history dating back to medieval Ireland. It was often associated with the area around Dublin, and its bearers were known for their bravery and warrior spirit, reflecting the meaning of their name.
Over time, Cassidy evolved from being primarily a last name to also being used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Today, Cassidy is considered unisex, although it was originally more common for boys.
In literature and popular culture, Cassidy has been featured prominently in several works. Most notably, it is the surname of the main character in the novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Additionally, Cassidy has been used as a given name in various movies, TV shows, and songs, helping to further popularize its use today.
Overall, the name Cassidy carries with it a strong sense of Irish heritage and history, while also possessing a modern and unique sound that makes it appealing for parents looking for something distinctive for their child.
The name Cassidy experienced a significant boom in popularity from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, with the peak being in 1994 at 2306 births. This was a marked increase from previous years, such as 1987 with only 396 births. After this high point, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily until around 2017 when it reached its current level of approximately 650 births per year.