Cass

♂ Boy

Pronounced KASS /ˈkæs/High

Meaning: Short form of Cassius ('hollow, vain', Latin; origin uncertain) or Cassidy ('curly-haired', Irish); here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Crisp and cool: Cass is short for Cassius or Cassidy. Sleek, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes.

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Origin LowLatin, Irish

MeaningShort form of Cassius ('hollow, vain', Latin; origin uncertain) or Cassidy ('curly-haired', Irish); here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#5068 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1989

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,860

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cass is a short form of Cassius — from the Roman family name Cassius, possibly 'hollow, empty, vain' (its true origin uncertain) — or of Cassidy, the Irish O'Caiside, 'curly-haired' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, cool, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, hollow-or-curly-haired at the root, and cool.

Did you know? Cass is a sleek short form of Cassius (an old Roman name, possibly 'hollow, vain') or Cassidy (Irish 'curly-haired') — crisp and cool, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note).

Overall data confidence 55%

Behind the Name — Cassius — routes layered

Variations

CassiusCassidyCas

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cass…

Cassius— the fuller name

Cash— a sound-neighbor short boys' name

Cassidy— a name it shortens

Chase— another crisp one-syllable boys' name

Explore names like Cass

By themeuncertain latin unisex irish short-and-sweet

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cass mean?

Cass shortens Cassius ('hollow, vain', Latin) or Cassidy ('curly-haired', Irish); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Cass?

It's said KASS /ˈkæs/ — a single syllable.

Is Cass a boy or girl name?

Cass is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Cass?

Cass is a rare name in the U.S.