Origin and meaning of the name Casandra

Learn more about the origin of the name Casandra

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Casandra

Casandra is a feminine given name with Greek origins, derived from the mythological figure Cassandra in Greek mythology. In Greek, "Cassandra" means "she who entices" or "she who entices all," derived from the roots "kass-" (meaning "to entice") and "-andra" (meaning "woman").

In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Trojan princess, the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba. She was gifted with the ability to foresee the future by the god Apollo, but was cursed so that no one would believe her prophecies. This name has been popular in various forms across different cultures and languages over time, reflecting the enduring fascination with the tragic figure of Cassandra from Greek mythology.

Character traits associated with the name Casandra

Casandra is often associated with traits such as independence, intelligence, and strong-willed nature. This name is believed to have roots in Greek mythology, where Cassandra was a Trojan princess known for her prophetic abilities, which were cursed to never be believed. The modern bearer of this name may embody similar qualities, demonstrating a keen intellect and a bold, unyielding spirit. Casandras are typically assertive, showing a determination to pursue their goals despite potential obstacles or skepticism from others. They also tend to be resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks with a tenacity that serves them well in various aspects of life. These individuals may also possess a deep emotional sensitivity, making them compassionate and empathetic towards others, while maintaining a strong sense of self-reliance.

Popularity of the name Casandra

Casandra is a name of Greek origin, derived from Cassandra, a character in Greek mythology who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo but cursed to have her prophecies never believed. As a first name, Casandra has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in different regions. In the United States, for instance, the name peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, ranking among the top 200 most popular names for girls. However, since then, its usage has decreased significantly, and it currently ranks outside the top 1000. The name Casandra has a unique, somewhat classical feel to it, making it a choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet traditional name for their daughter.

Famous people with the name Casandra

Casandra is a unique name that has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most famous is Casandra Peterson, also known as Elvira Mistress of the Dark, an American actress, television personality, and singer who rose to fame with her horror-themed talk show "Elvira's Movie Macabre." Another prominent figure named Casandra was Casandra Hernandez, a Mexican American college student who was tragically murdered in 1997. Her case became a catalyst for the Texas Ten Roster Act, which aimed to reduce repeat offenses by juveniles. In literature, Casmira Gregorowicz, under the pen name Casandra, was a Polish poet and author who published her works in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lastly, Casandra Lopez, an American political strategist, is known for co-founding the National Network of Immigrant and Refugee Rights Advocacy and Latino Victory Project. These women demonstrate the diversity and impact that individuals named Casandra have had in various spheres of society.

Variations of the name Casandra

Casandra is primarily a female given name of Greek origin, derived from the mythological prophetess Cassandra. The name has several variations and spelling alterations that have emerged over time due to transliteration and cultural adaptations. These include:

1. Kassandra - the Greek form of the name.
2. Cascandra or Cassandre - French forms of the name.
3. Casandrah, Casandria, Kasandra, or Casadra - less common English variations.
4. Kasi or Kassy - informal, diminutive forms often used in North America.
5. A rare Scottish form is Caitriona, which originates from the Irish version of Cassandra.
6. The Spanish and Portuguese variations are Catalina or Catalina, which are more common names in those countries but can be considered variants of Casandra as they share similar origins.
7. In some cultures, Casandra may also be spelled as Kassandra, Kasandrah, Kasandria, Kasadra, or Caitriona, though these forms may not always be understood as variations of the original Greek name in other parts of the world.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "casandra"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025