Cassia

Pronunciation: [ k-ASH-ee-uh ]

Girl Name #2,232 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

An ancient spice with the fragrance of history

English American Roman

Elegant Literary Vintage Whimsical Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"cinnamon tree, spice plant"

Origin: Latin/Greek

Language: Latin

"fragrant bark"

Origin: Hebrew (qetsi'ah)

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Cassia

Cassia comes from the Latin and Greek 'kassia' (κασσία), the name for a tree whose bark produces a spice similar to cinnamon. The cassia plant (Cinnamomum cassia) has been prized since antiquity—it appears in the Hebrew Bible (Exodus 30:24) as one of the ingredients in holy anointing oil. The name was also borne by Kassia (or Casia), a remarkable 9th-century Byzantine abbess, theologian, and hymn composer—one of the few women whose compositions remain in liturgical use today.

Cassia gained literary fame through Ally Condie's dystopian novel 'Matched' (2010), where the protagonist Cassia Reyes sparked new interest in this ancient name. The novel's success among young adult readers introduced the name to a generation of parents, and its botanical connection to cinnamon aligned perfectly with the nature-name trend of the 2010s.

In ancient Rome, cassia was an expensive imported spice connected to wealth and divine ritual. The cassia plant is mentioned multiple times in the Hebrew Bible and in ancient Egyptian burial practices, giving the name deep roots across multiple civilizations. Kassia of Constantinople remains a celebrated figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Fun Facts

The cassia plant is mentioned in Exodus 30:24 as an ingredient in the sacred anointing oil used in the Tabernacle
Kassia of Constantinople (c. 810–865) composed the famous 'Hymn of Kassiane,' sung in Orthodox churches every Holy Wednesday

Cassia in Other Languages

Greek Κασσία

Latin Cassia

French Cassia

Italian Cassia

Spanish Casia

Famous People Named Cassia

Kassia of Constantinople

Religious

810

9th-century Byzantine abbess, poet, and composer whose hymns are still sung in Orthodox churches

Cassia Reyes Fictional

Other

Protagonist of Ally Condie's dystopian novel 'Matched' (2010), who fights for love and free will in a controlled society

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,232
Total SSA Count: 84
Cultural Origins: English American Roman
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Cassidy #476 Cassandra #614 Cassie #1273 Cassandr #1450

Common Nicknames

Cassie Cass

Pairs Well With

Cassia Jane Cassia Rose Cassia Wren Cassia Lou Cassia Elise Cassia May

Sibling Names

Silas Thea Jasper Lyra Felix Ivy

Similar Names

Anastasia Sandra Kathy Sandy Kassie Casey Alessandra Kassandra

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cassia

What does the name Cassia mean?

"cinnamon tree, spice plant" (from Latin/Greek). "fragrant bark" (from Hebrew (qetsi'ah)). Cassia comes from the Latin and Greek 'kassia' (κασσία), the name for a tree whose bark produces a spice similar to cinnamon. The cassia plant (Cinnamomum cassia) has been prized since antiquity—it appears in the Hebrew Bible (Exodus 30:24) as one of the ingredients in holy anointing oil. The name was also borne by Kassia (or Casia), a remarkable 9th-century Byzantine abbess, theologian, and hymn composer—one of the few women whose compositions remain in liturgical use today.

What is the origin of the name Cassia?

Cassia has Latin/Greek, Hebrew (qetsi'ah), English, American, and Roman origins. In Latin/Greek, it means "cinnamon tree, spice plant". In Hebrew (qetsi'ah), it means "fragrant bark".

Is Cassia a boy or girl name?

Cassia is primarily used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Cassia?

Cassia is pronounced k-ASH-ee-uh.

How popular is the name Cassia?

Cassia is currently ranked #2232 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Cassia?

Common nicknames for Cassia include Cassie and Cass.

What are good middle names for Cassia?

Popular middle name pairings include Cassia Jane, Cassia Rose, Cassia Wren, Cassia Lou, Cassia Elise, and Cassia May.

What are good sibling names for Cassia?

Names that pair well with Cassia as siblings include Silas, Thea, Jasper, Lyra, Felix, and Ivy.

How many syllables does Cassia have?

Cassia has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Cassia a common or rare name?

Cassia is an uncommon name, ranked #2232 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Cassia

Cassia is a girl name with English, American, and Roman origins . The name means "cinnamon tree, spice plant" in Latin/Greek .

Cassia is currently ranked #2,232 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Cassia has 3 syllables and is pronounced k-ASH-ee-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Cassia include Cassie and Cass. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Cassia include Cassidy, Cassandra, Cassie, Cassandr . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.