The baby name Cassius is straight out of the ancient world, but it also feels like a perfect pick for the 2020s and beyond.
Thanks to Lola for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
MORE THAN THE MEANING
Like some names, the baby name Cassius comes with a less than appealing meaning. In this case, it’s from the Latin cassus – empty or vain.
But this Roman family name comes with a rich history. Here are three that dot the history books:
- Cassius Chaerea was a Roman soldier, remembered by history for assassinating mad emperor Caligula.
- Cassius Dio was a Roman public servant and noted historian. He managed to sum up the story of Rome in a mere 80 volumes.
- Gaius Cassius Longinus served as a senator and participated in the conspiracy against Julius Caesar.
Several early saints followed. The best known Saint Cassius served as bishop of Narni in Umbria in the 500s. He was widely known for his good works and charitable endeavors.
THE ORIGINAL CASSIUS CLAY
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali started out life as Cassius Clay.
Where did he get his unusual name? The short answer: his dad. Clay was a junior.
Cassius Marcellus Clay, Sr. was named for famed abolitionist Cassius Clay – and, indeed, Cassius Sr.’s father was descended from a slave once owned by the Clay family.
While he’s not a household name today, the wealthy, privileged Kentucky politician who became a leader in the emancipation movement during the 1830s and 40s was a nationally-known figure.
MUHAMMAD ALI
Say Cassius Clay today, though, and many will think of Muhammad Ali.
Born in 1942, the three-time World Heavyweight champ and Olympic gold medalist is nicknamed “The Greatest.” Sports Illustrated once called him the 20th century’s greatest athlete.
He’s known to history by the name he adopted on his conversion to Islam.
Ali passed away in 2016, but remains such a widely recognized figure that even his birth name is familiar to many.
NICKNAME CASH
The baby name Cassius succeeds, though, because it shortens to Cash.
Cash is an immediately cool, edgy kind of choice. It’s Johnny Cash and Cash-is-King. It’s a cousin to Dash and Nash.
But it’s not necessarily a complete given name, and so it’s no surprise that many formal name options for Cash are catching on.
Cassius doesn’t need to be shortened, but if you’re so inclined? A great nickname is built in.
BY the NUMBERS
In the late nineteenth century, the baby name Cassius occasionally appeared in the US Top 1000.
It ranked for a single year, in 1964, at #862. That was relatively early in the boxer’s career. But later in 1964, Ali adopted his new name and Cassius fell off the charts again.
Cassius made a comeback in 2008, returning to the rankings. As of 2023, the baby name Cassius stands at #576.
At #288, Cash is more popular. In fact, Kash-with-a-K ranked #261 as of 2023.
ANCIENT and POWERFUL
Combined, the name reads ancient, powerful, and elegant. There’s an undeniable strength to Cassius.
If you’re looking for a formal name for Cash, or something in the key of Atticus but not quite as popular, Cassius could be the perfect choice.
I like Cassius a lot. I tend to like -cass names , excluding Cassandra.
Cassia… great name and uncommon. I’d say Cass-ee-a. I also like Cassandra (familiar but I don’t think it’s overpopular). And I like the nn Cassie for either. Cassandra is one of the names I’d consider for a girl if I ever had one.