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Cassandra

♀ Girl

Pronounced kuh-SAN-druh /kəˈsæn.drə/High

Meaning: Possibly 'she who entangles men'; name of the Trojan prophetess cursed to speak true prophecies no one would believe. Exact etymology is disputed.Medium

In 30 seconds: A haunting name from Greek mythology, Cassandra was the Trojan prophetess cursed to be disbelieved. Rich with literary resonance, it is making a quiet comeback.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningPossibly 'she who entangles men'; name of the Trojan prophetess cursed to speak true prophecies no one would believe. Exact etymology is disputed.
U.S. rank (2025)#631 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births463 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1990
Total births (all-time)≈ 171,006

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199019022025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Cassandra is a Latinized form of the Greek Kassandra, daughter of King Priam of Troy. Apollo gave her the gift of prophecy and, when she refused his advances, cursed her so that no one would believe her predictions. She foretold the fall of Troy but was dismissed as mad.

The name was used steadily in medieval England and Europe, peaking in the U.S. in the 1980s. Its mythological weight has made it a literary touchstone for ignored wisdom. Today it is appreciated as a vintage name with depth, part of a broader Greek mythology revival.

Did you know? A 'Cassandra' has entered English as a common noun meaning a person whose accurate warnings are ignored — the only baby name to become its own word for a personality type.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name — Cassandra — etymology and mythologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KassandraCassondraCasandra

Nicknames

CassieSandraCass

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cassandra…

Elena— same mythological-adjacent classic with an elegant flow
Vivienne— shares the literary, slightly dramatic multi-syllable character
Calliope— fellow name from Greek mythology with a bold, poetic feel
Selene— another Greek mythological name with the same ethereal quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cassandra mean?

Cassandra is a Greek name from mythology, possibly meaning 'she who entangles men.' She was a prophetess of Troy.

How do you pronounce Cassandra?

It is said kuh-SAN-druh /kəˈsæn.drə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Cassandra a boy or girl name?

Cassandra is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Cassandra?

Cassandra ranked around #631 in the U.S. in 2025 and is making a gradual comeback.