Kasey is a unique and modern given name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is of American origin and was originally used as a masculine name before evolving into a unisex name.
The name Kasey does not have a specific meaning or derivation from any language. It was likely created as a phonetic variant of the name Casey, which is an Irish surname meaning "watchful" or "alert". However, there is no direct connection between Kasey and the Irish surname Casey in terms of etymology.
Kasey first gained prominence as a masculine given name in the United States during the mid-20th century. It was often used as a diminutive form of the name Cassius or Casey. Over time, however, it has become more commonly associated with females and is now considered a unisex name.
Some notable people who bear the name Kasey include American actress Kaley Cuoco (born 1985), whose first name is pronounced "KAY-lee", and Canadian ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky's daughter, Paulina Gretzky (born 1988), who goes by the name Kasey. Despite its growing popularity, Kasey remains a relatively uncommon name compared to many other contemporary choices.
In terms of its usage over time, Kasey has seen a steady increase in popularity since the 1970s. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was most popular among baby girls born in the United States between 2000 and 2010, peaking at #385 in 2004. For boys, Kasey has never been particularly common; its highest rank was #996 in 1974.
Overall, Kasey is a modern, unique name that has gained popularity as both a masculine and feminine given name. While it may not have a specific meaning or derivation from any language, its phonetic similarity to other names like Casey gives it a familiar feel despite its distinctive sound. Its growing popularity among parents looking for uncommon yet approachable names has helped solidify Kasey's place in the modern naming landscape.
The name Kasey has seen a significant trend over the past seven decades in the United States. Between 1952 and 2023, there have been a total of 12,261 babies named Kasey born in the US.
The popularity of the name peaked in the late 1970s to early 1980s, with over 400 births each year between 1977 and 1987. The highest number of Kasey births recorded was in 1987, with a total of 380 newborns.
However, the name's popularity has been declining since the late 1980s. By the 2010s, there were fewer than 200 babies named Kasey born each year. In recent years, the number of births has begun to rise again, with 162 recorded in 2023.
Despite this decline in popularity, Kasey remains a classic name with a rich history in the United States. Its enduring appeal can be seen in its consistent presence among baby names over several decades.