Casey is a gender-neutral given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Cathasaigh", which means "descendant of Cathasach". The name Cathasach is believed to mean "vigilant" or "watchful".
The use of Casey as a given name gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, likely due to its association with popular figures such as the baseball player James "Casey" Kelly and the poet laureate of Ireland, Padraic Colum.
Over time, Casey has become a widely recognized name throughout the English-speaking world. Despite its Irish origins, it is now used by people of various ethnic backgrounds. Today, Casey remains a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet timeless name for their child. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, independence, and adaptability.
The name Casey has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage from the mid-20th century onwards.
Between 1888 and 1953, there were fewer than 25 births with the name Casey each year. However, starting in 1954, the number of babies named Casey began to rise significantly, reaching 236 births that year. This trend continued throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, with over 300 births per year on average during this period.
The peak popularity of the name Casey occurred in the 1970s and early 1980s. In 1974, there were 1729 births with the name Casey, marking a significant increase from previous years. This number continued to rise, reaching an all-time high of 3518 births in 1980.
After this peak, the popularity of the name Casey began to decline gradually but consistently. From 1984 onwards, there were fewer than 4000 births with the name each year on average. This downward trend continued throughout the remainder of the century and into the early 21st century, with fewer than 700 births per year between 2006 and 2015.
However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Casey. After reaching a low of 469 births in 2018, the number of babies named Casey began to rise again, with 684 births in 2021 and an even higher number of 1050 births projected for 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Casey has fluctuated over time, it remains a well-loved choice among parents in the United States. With over 114,000 babies named Casey since records began in the late 19th century, this unique and distinctive name continues to be a popular option for parents looking for a memorable and meaningful name for their child.