Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Cassia

Cassia

♀ Girl

Pronounced KASH-uh /ˈkΓ¦Κƒ.Ι™/High

Meaning: a fragrant spice plant related to cinnamonHigh

In 30 seconds: Cassia is a beautiful botanical name from Latin, meaning the fragrant cinnamon-like spice plant. It also honors Kassia, the 9th-century Byzantine poet and hymn-writer.
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Origin HighGreek, Latin
Meaninga fragrant spice plant related to cinnamon
U.S. rank (2024)#2234 β†— Rising
2024 U.S. births84 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 2,096

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 202419542024

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

History & Origin

Cassia derives from the Latin and Greek name for a fragrant plant related to cinnamon, mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (Psalm 45) and ancient Greek texts. The Byzantine form Kassia was borne by a renowned 9th-century poet and hymnographer who founded a convent in Constantinople.

Cassia has gained popularity in the 21st century as parents seek botanical names with classical depth. It pairs the appeal of nature names like Lily or Rose with the sophistication of ancient Greek and Latin heritage. Its use in the dystopian novel Matched by Ally Condie further boosted awareness.

Did you know? Kassia (c. 810–865 AD) was a remarkable Byzantine abbess who composed hymns still sung in Orthodox Christian liturgy today β€” one of the first known female composers in Western music history.
Overall data confidence 86%
Lewis & Short, Latin Dictionary β€” reference for CassiaBehind the Name: Cassia β€” name etymology referenceOxford Dictionary of First Names β€” reference for Cassia

Variations

KassiaKassieCassiaCasia

Nicknames

CassCassie

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Kassia (c. 810–865)
    Byzantine abbess, poet and hymnographer, the oldest-known female composer whose works survive in the liturgy.

If you like Cassia…

Casiaβ€” simplified spelling variant of the same name
Lyraβ€” two-syllable classical name with mythological and literary connections
Floraβ€” botanical Latin feminine name with similar elegance
Ariaβ€” two-syllable name with similar musical and classical feel
Zaraβ€” short elegant name with ancient roots

Frequently Asked

What does Cassia mean?

Cassia means a fragrant cinnamon-like spice plant, from Latin and Greek. It is also the name of a 9th-century Byzantine poet.

How do you pronounce Cassia?

Cassia is pronounced KASH-uh (/ˈkΓ¦Κƒ.Ι™/), with two syllables.

Is Cassia a girl's name?

Yes, Cassia is used as a feminine name drawing on both botanical and classical Greek traditions.

How popular is the name Cassia?

Cassia has grown in popularity in the 21st century as a botanical and classical alternative to names like Cassandra or Cassie.