Name profile

GirlPronounced English /kə.ˈsæn.dɹə/; English /kə.ˈsɑːn.dɹə/; French /ka.sɑ̃.dʁa/Dutch language family

Cassandra

A name of Greek origin.

Quick answer

Cassandra is a girl name with Greek roots.

Pronunciation: English /kə.ˈsæn.dɹə/; English /kə.ˈsɑːn.dɹə/; French /ka.sɑ̃.dʁa/.

GenderGirl
OriginGreek
PronunciationEnglish /kə.ˈsæn.dɹə/; English /kə.ˈsɑːn.dɹə/; French /ka.sɑ̃.dʁa/
Language familyDutch

Meaning and history

This name comes from the Greek name Κασσάνδρα (Kassandra), possibly derived from κέκασμαι ( kekasmai ) meaning "to excel, to surpass" and ἀνήρ ( aner ) meaning "man" (genitive ἀνδρός ). Another theory connects the first element to κασσύω (kassyo) meaning "to stitch up a plot". In Greek myth Cassandra was a Trojan princess, the daughter of Priam and Hecuba. She was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo, but when she spurned his advances he cursed her so nobody would believe her prophecies. In the Middle Ages this name was common in England due to the popularity of medieval tales about the Trojan War. It subsequently became rare, but was revived in the 20th century.

Notes and context

Usage: english, french, greek mythology | Ancient Greek: Κασσάνδρα