Cacey
Primarily a girl's name of Irish origin with 207 recorded births. Also given to 23 boys.
Meaning & Origin
When Cacey hit its peak of 13 births in 1995, the internet was beginning to expose parents to a wider world of naming options, and pop culture influence on baby names was at an all-time high.
Today, Cacey reads as a name tied to a specific era — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Cacey is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Cacey is a girl's and boy's baby name of Irish origin, a variant spelling of Casey — from the Irish Gaelic Cathasach, meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful.' The Ca- opening gives it a slightly softer visual feel compared to the standard Casey.
Casey became widely popular in America as a unisex name, and Cacey's alternate spelling leans it more clearly toward the feminine. Its Irish roots connect it to the concept of watchful alertness — a name for someone always aware and ready.
EtymologyShow more
Cacey is built from 5 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Irish naming tradition, this brevity is common among names that have been worn down through centuries of use, shedding syllables along the way.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Cacey creates its characteristic bright, approachable quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Cacey has 26+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1974.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 12 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 29 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 83 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 70 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 13 | — |
The Story of Cacey
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1995, Cacey is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Cacey are most likely born between 1985 and 2005.
How rare is Cacey?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Cacey is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1974, peaked in the 1990s with 83 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Cacey by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(26 years, 1974–2018)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | #16131 |
| 2014 | 7 | #13328 |
| 2009 | 5 | #17791 |
| 2007 | 8 | #12885 |
| 2005 | 9 | #11081 |
| 2000 | 7 | #12004 |
| 1999 | 5 | #14775 |
| 1998 | 7 | #11320 |
| 1997 | 9 | #9139 |
| 1996 | 7 | #10750 |
| 1995 | 13 | #6701 |
| 1994 | 8 | #9702 |
| 1993 | 8 | #9694 |
| 1992 | 7 | #10641 |
| 1991 | 8 | #9451 |
| 1990 | 11 | #7373 |
| 1989 | 11 | #7026 |
| 1988 | 6 | #10546 |
| 1987 | 9 | #7446 |
| 1986 | 9 | #7201 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Cacey as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Cacey has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 23 births since 1985.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cacey a boy's or girl's name?
When was Cacey most popular?
How popular is the name Cacey?
Can Cacey be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1974–2018