In yet another example of two names that sound and look nearly identical but feel very different, we’ve got Cassius and Cassian in today’s match up. In this case, both names have the same root meaning, lots of present-day appeal, and potential for popularity.
Name 1: Cassius
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Hollow
Pronunciation: CASS-ee-us or CASH-us
Nicknames: Cass, Cash
Current Rank: #596
Trending: Steady rise
Our Take: The most famous person associated with this name is none other than “The Greatest” himself, Muhummad Ali, whose given name at birth was Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. His father, who shared his name, was named after Kentucky abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay. Because the name was carried down in its full form, Cassius as a first name is pretty strongly tied to alliterative last name Clay. Cassius, though, goes back much further than abolitionist Clay, to ancient Rome. Gaius Cassius Longinus, known by Cassius, was a Roman senator and one of the assassins of Julius Caesar.
While the name certainly has strong ties to the past, that didn’t stop its recent rise up the charts! Since 2008, it’s climbed from #946 in popularity to #596. And it’s been worn by many a celebrity baby: Bobby Brown has a son named Cassius, Brian Austin Green has a Kassius, Diversity dancer Jordan Banjo named his son Cassius, and soccer player Wayne Rooney has a Cass, short for Cassius. All old things are new again, and Cassius is certainly no exception to the rule.
Name 2: Cassian
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Hollow
Pronunciation: CASS-ee-en
Nicknames: Cass
Rank: Not currently ranked by the SSA
Trending: N/A
Our Take: While it’s never been ranked in the SSA top 1000 names, Cassian is making its way into the public ear. We’re seeing it show up in pop culture, perhaps most notably in Star Wars’ Rogue One as the first name of rebel captain Cassian Andor. Then the gorgeous and insanely fashionable character Astrid Leong in Crazy Rich Asians also has a son named Cassian. In books, Cassian is a character in the popular A Court of Thorn and Roses series. And it’s got celebrity baby name status, with actor Patrick Wilson naming his second son Kassian in 2009.
One of the big clues about a name’s pending popularity is when it begins to appear on fictional characters and celebrity babies, so we’re betting Cassian is ready to skyrocket up the charts. Cassian takes all the appeal of Cassius and adds that favorite last letter -n to make one on-trend choice for today’s parents.
The Verdict
Both names are truly appealing, with one possessing a classic, ageless cool and the other a cutting-edge allure. As of now, Cassian is still under the radar, while Cassius hovers in the sweet spot. We are all but guaranteeing Cassian will be in the top 1000 soon, though, as the Star Wars craze takes over us all (again).
Star’s pick: Cassius, pronounced CASH-us
Lynda’s pick: Cassius if it’s CASH-us, otherwise Cassian (with its modern feel) over Cass-ee-us
Readers, give us your vote! And state your case in the comments!
Cassius Clay!! The GOAT!