Cassandra is of Greek origin, derived from the word 'kassia', meaning 'excellent'. It was popularized by the character Cassandra in Greek mythology, who was a Trojan princess and priestess of Athena. Known for her prophetic abilities, Cassandra was cursed to make true prophecies that would never be believed. This tragic figure has lent her name to the medical term 'Cassandra syndrome', which describes individuals whose predictions are accurate but ignored by others. In literature, most famously in Aeschylus' play "Agamemnon", Cassandra's prophecies were not heeded until it was too late, contributing to her and Troy's ultimate downfall.
The name Cassandra was quite popular in the year 1982, with a total of six babies born with this name that year.