Casimir is a name of Polish origin, derived from the Slavic word "kasimyr," which means "destroyer of peace." Despite its somewhat aggressive-sounding meaning, Casimir was actually a popular choice among medieval royalty, with several notable figures bearing the name.
The most famous bearer of this name is likely Saint Casimir, a 15th-century prince of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Born in 1458 to King Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria, he was known for his piety and humility, despite being heir to the throne. He died at the age of just 27, but his reputation for holiness lived on, and he was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1630.
Other notable figures with the name Casimir include Casimir III the Great, a 14th-century king of Poland who significantly expanded the kingdom's territories, and Casimir II the Just, also known as Casimir the Restorer, who reigned in the early 12th century. Both of these rulers were respected for their wisdom and justice.
Today, Casimir is still used as a given name, particularly in Slavic-speaking countries like Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. It remains a strong and distinctive choice, with a rich history behind it.
"Casi has seen a significant decline in popularity over time, peaking at 53 births in 1986 and decreasing to single digits by the early 2000s, with five or fewer births recorded every year since 2005."