Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Casey
UnisexIrish· “vigilant, watchful”
- Meaning
- vigilant, watchful
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KAY-see
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #320
- US babies 2025
- 1,072
- Best rank
- #80 (1987)
- Peak year
- 1990
Meaning and origin of Casey
Casey is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “vigilant, watchful”.
Casey comes from the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh, meaning "descendant of Cathasach." Cathasach is usually explained as "vigilant" or "watchful," though some sources translate it as "warlike." The name became familiar in America through Casey Jones, the railroad engineer celebrated in folk song after a fatal train crash, and through the baseball poem Casey at the Bat. It can also be a nickname drawn from the initials K. C. Casey is used for both boys and girls. It has a relaxed, upbeat character and a strong sense of American familiarity.
Popularity over time
Casey first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 102 different years, starting in 1888. Its best national rank was #80 in 1987, and the most babies received it in 1990, when 4,134 were named Casey. In 2025, 1,072 babies were named Casey, and it ranked #320 nationally. That is 107% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,050 in 1920, #643 in 1950, #93 in 1980, #193 in 2000, #398 in 2010, and #320 in 2025. Of the 116,675 US boys named Casey since records began, 31% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 29,253 babies. Since 2010, 11,056 more have been named Casey.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Ariel and Dominique.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Casey ranked highest in Delaware, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #146 | 7 |
| New Hampshire | #147 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #150 | 47 |
| West Virginia | #155 | 12 |
| South Dakota | #196 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Casey is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 34% of US babies named Casey were girls and 66% were boys.
Casey is usually pronounced KAY-see, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Casey
A few middle names that flow with Casey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Casey
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Lists that include Casey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Casey mean?
Casey is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “vigilant, watchful”.
What is the origin of the name Casey?
Casey has Irish roots. Casey comes from the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh, meaning "descendant of Cathasach." Cathasach is usually explained as "vigilant" or "watchful," though some sources translate it as "warlike." The name became familiar in America through Casey Jones, the railroad engineer celebrated in folk song after a fatal train crash, and through the baseball poem Casey at the Bat.
Is Casey a popular name?
Yes. Casey ranked #320 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Casey a boy or girl name?
Casey is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 34% of US babies named Casey were girls and 66% were boys.
How do you pronounce Casey?
Casey is usually pronounced KAY-see. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings