"hollow, empty"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Cassius
Boy Name
#568 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
From Roman senator to Muhammad Ali — a name for greatness
English
American
Roman
Bold
Classic
Strong
Vintage
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"of the ancient Roman Cassia gens"
Origin: Latin/Etruscan
Language: Latin
The Story of Cassius
Cassius is an ancient Roman family name (nomen gentilicium) borne by one of Rome's most distinguished patrician clans. Its etymology likely derives from the Latin 'cassus' meaning hollow or empty, though some scholars link it to Etruscan roots. The gens Cassia produced numerous consuls, generals, and the infamous Gaius Cassius Longinus — one of the principal conspirators who assassinated Julius Caesar on the Ides of March in 44 BC.
Cassius has climbed dramatically in US popularity since 2010, driven by parents drawn to its grandeur and its most famous modern bearer: Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay. Ali's declaration that he was 'the greatest' redefined the name's etymology as a statement of towering confidence and greatness.
The name Cassius carries extraordinary historical weight — from the Roman assassin of Caesar to the Louisville Lip who became Muhammad Ali. Shakespeare immortalized Cassius in Julius Caesar with the line 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.' When Ali reclaimed the name's identity, he transformed ancient Roman history into Black American empowerment.
Fun Facts
- Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., named after the abolitionist politician Cassius Marcellus Clay
- Shakespeare's Cassius says: 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves'
- The gens Cassia produced over a dozen Roman consuls during the Republic era
Cassius in Other Languages
Greek
Κάσσιος
Latin
Cassius
French
Cassius
Italian
Cassio
Spanish
Casio
Famous People Named Cassius
M
Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay)
Athlete
1942
Heavyweight boxing champion and civil rights activist, widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time
G
Gaius Cassius Longinus
Military
Roman senator and general, principal organizer of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC
C
Cassius (character) Fictional
Other
Complex antagonist in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar whose rhetoric convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #568
- Total SSA Count
- 516
- Cultural Origins
- English American Roman
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cass
Cas
Pairs Well With
Cassius James
Cassius Marcus
Cassius Cole
Cassius Reid
Cassius Blake
Cassius Grant
Cassius Everett
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Cassius is also used as a girl name, ranked #41436.
View Cassius as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cassius
What does the name Cassius mean?
"hollow, empty" (from Latin). "of the ancient Roman Cassia gens" (from Latin/Etruscan). Cassius is an ancient Roman family name (nomen gentilicium) borne by one of Rome's most distinguished patrician clans. Its etymology likely derives from the Latin 'cassus' meaning hollow or empty, though some scholars link it to Etruscan roots. The gens Cassia produced numerous consuls, generals, and the infamous Gaius Cassius Longinus — one of the principal conspirators who assassinated Julius Caesar on the Ides of March in 44 BC.
What is the origin of the name Cassius?
Cassius has Latin, Latin/Etruscan, English, American, and Roman origins. In Latin, it means "hollow, empty". In Latin/Etruscan, it means "of the ancient Roman Cassia gens".
Is Cassius a boy or girl name?
Cassius is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #568. As a girl name, it is ranked #41436. Cassius is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Cassius?
Cassius is currently ranked #568 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cassius?
Common nicknames for Cassius include Cass and Cas.
What are good middle names for Cassius?
Popular middle name pairings include Cassius James, Cassius Marcus, Cassius Cole, Cassius Reid, Cassius Blake, Cassius Grant, and Cassius Everett.
What are good sibling names for Cassius?
Names that pair well with Cassius as siblings include Octavia, Maximus, Leonora, Atticus, Valentina, Julius, and Aurora.
How many syllables does Cassius have?
Cassius has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Cassius a common or rare name?
Cassius is moderately common, ranked #568 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Cassius
Cassius is a boy name with English, American, and Roman origins . The name means "hollow, empty" in Latin .
Is Cassius a boy or girl name? Cassius is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #568 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #41,436. Cassius is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cassius is currently ranked #568 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cassius has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Cassius include Cass and Cas. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Cassius include Cassian, Cassidy, Cassiel . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.