Meaning, origin, history
Cassandra is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "prophetess" or "she who excels as a man." In Greek mythology, Cassandra was the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. She was gifted with the ability to see into the future but cursed so that no one would believe her prophecies.
Cassandra's name first appeared in Virgil's Aeneid, an epic poem written in the 1st century BCE. In this work, Cassandra is depicted as a priestess of Apollo who has visions of Troy's impending doom but is unable to prevent it due to her curse. This tragic figure has become an iconic symbol in literature and art.
The name Cassandra began to be used as a given name in the late 19th century. It gained popularity during the early 20th century, particularly among families with classical or literary interests. Today, Cassandra is considered a classic yet uncommon name that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cassandr since 1880
Total births
152
Total since 1880
Peak year
1989
152 births
in 1989
152
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years