Origin
Latin origin, derived from 'Cassius', a Roman family name possibly related to 'cassus' meaning 'hollow' or 'vain'. Historically notable as a Roman cognomen and personal name, with mentions in ancient texts such as Plutarch's biographies of the Roman figures Gaius Cassius Longinus and Gaius Cassius Parmensis.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'hollow' or 'vain'. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of historical grandeur and classical heritage, often associated with strength or leadership qualities.
Pronunciation
/ˈkæʃəs/ (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the first syllable, sounding like 'KASH-us'). Click here to listen to pronunciation if needed.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Cassius (original Latin form)
- Cassio (less common, diminutive)
- Casio (rare, informal)
Nicknames
- Cass
- Cash
Name Days
- 15 March (Roman feast day associated with the name Cassius)
- May vary in Christian calendars; no widespread specific Australian observance.
- No specific Indigenous or M01ori cultural celebrations or name days associated with this name.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with cassius:
- Alexander and Benjamin
- Eleanor and Matilda
- James and William
- Charlotte and Amelia
Fun Facts
- The name Cassius gained popularity in Australia partly due to its association with legendary figures and comic book characters (e.g., Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali's birth name).
- In Australian politics and sports, the name is occasionally used for symbolic purposes, denoting strength or resilience.
- Famous Australian bearer: Cassius Turvey, a young Indigenous activist whose story drew national attention.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name cassius:
- Confident
- Charismatic
- Intelligent
- Resilient
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a strong, noble visual aesthetic, with classic letterforms and a balanced symmetry that appeals to contemporary tastes in Australia. Suitable for both traditional and modern contexts.
Geographical Distribution
While the name is fairly evenly distributed across major Australian cities, it has seen higher usage in New South Wales and Victoria, often among families with classical or literary interests.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8, associated with power, success, and material achievement in numerology. Described as a name embodying strength and leadership qualities.
Astrological Connections
Aligned with the zodiac sign Aries or Leo, emphasizing traits like leadership, courage, and self-confidence, contributing to its appeal for parents seeking auspicious names.
Historical Context
Ancient Roman figure Gaius Cassius Longinus was a leading conspirator in the assassination of Julius Caesar, making the name historically associated with rebellion and intrigue. Modern Australian figures include sportspeople and public intellectuals who have popularised the name.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well to many languages, retaining its classical form. In non-Latin scripts, such as Mandarin or Arabic, it is transliterated faithfully to preserve pronunciation.
Famous People Named cassius
- Cassius Turvey (Indigenous Youth Activist)
- Cassius Clay (Historical figure, American boxer, influential worldwide, including Australia)
- Cassius King (Fictional character)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 2 |
2016 | 1 |