Cagney is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Mac an tSaoighthigh," which means "son of the poet." The name was originally associated with individuals who were known for their poetic abilities or who came from families that had a reputation for producing talented poets.
The name Cagney has been popularized in recent years by several notable figures, most notably the actor James Cagney. Born in 1899, Cagney rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood and was known for his roles in films such as "Public Enemy" and "White Heat." Despite being associated with a tough guy persona on screen, Cagney was actually known off-screen for his kindness and generosity.
Today, the name Cagney continues to be associated with these qualities of creativity, talent, and kindness. It is a unique choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child. Although it may not be as commonly used as other Irish names such as Patrick or O'Connor, those who choose Cagney can take pride in its rich history and poetic significance.
The name Cagney experienced its peak popularity during the years 1984 to 1986 with a total of 70 births in those three years alone. However, it is important to note that these were also the only years within this dataset where more than ten babies were given the name Cagney. The other years listed saw anywhere from five to nine births each.