Find out how popular the first name Cady has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cady by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cady is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Cady being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 19 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cady.

The history of the first name Cady

The given name Cady has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "cad," which means "round" or "hardy." It was initially used as a nickname for someone with a round or sturdy build. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and parts of Northern Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cady can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and properties in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as a variation of the more common spelling "Cadey," referring to several individuals who held land or property during that period.

In the 12th century, the name Cady was mentioned in the writings of the renowned historian and chronicler, William of Malmesbury. He documented the exploits of a knight named Cady de Montfort, who fought alongside King Richard I during the Third Crusade (1189-1192). This historical reference suggests that the name was associated with valor and bravery in medieval times.

During the Renaissance period, the name Cady found its way into literary works. One notable example is the character of Cady Everard, a minor but influential figure in Sir Walter Scott's historical novel "Kenilworth" (1821), set in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Scott's depiction of Cady as a loyal and steadfast companion to the protagonists may have contributed to the name's enduring appeal.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cady. One of the earliest recorded was Cady Stanton (1815-1902), an American social activist and leading figure in the early women's rights movement. Her tireless efforts and writings played a significant role in advancing the cause of women's suffrage in the United States.

Another prominent figure was Cady Herrick (1846-1910), an American architect renowned for his innovative designs and contributions to the Prairie School of architecture. His most famous work, the Cady Herrick House in Aurora, Illinois, is considered a masterpiece of the Prairie Style and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

In the realm of literature, Cady Stanton Burroughs (1877-1948), an American novelist and artist, gained recognition for her works that explored themes of feminism and social justice. Her novel "The Cady Daughters" (1924) was a critically acclaimed exploration of the challenges faced by women in the early 20th century.

Another notable figure was Cady Frear (1901-1988), an American politician and jurist who served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Hawaii from 1959 to 1966. He played a crucial role in shaping the legal system of the newly admitted state and was widely respected for his fair and impartial judgments.

Finally, Cady Coleman (born 1960) is a retired American astronaut who has made a significant contribution to space exploration. She has served as a mission specialist on two Space Shuttle missions and spent a total of 180 days in space, conducting various scientific experiments and advancing our understanding of the universe.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cady was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cady, please contact us.

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