Nicknames for Cassandra

With every classic name comes many nicknames; some cute, some common, and some nonsensical. Ranging from the standard Cass/Cassie to the more unusual Cassia, here are some nicknames for an understated name.
  1. Adra
    • Description:

      Adra is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Arabic 'Adhra,' meaning 'virgin' or 'pure,' or could be connected to the Hebrew 'Aderet,' meaning 'cloak' or 'glory.' Some sources suggest it might be a shortened form of names like Alexandra or Adriana, or possibly derived from an ancient settlement in Spain. The name's brevity gives it a modern, streamlined quality despite its potentially ancient roots. Adra is uncommon in most countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking individuality. The name has a strong yet feminine quality with its balanced sounds and straightforward pronunciation. Its cross-cultural possibilities make it versatile across different linguistic and cultural contexts, while its shortness makes it practical and contemporary.
  2. Andi
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Andrea or Anderson, Greek or English from Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly, son of Anders"
    • Description:

      Boyish nickname name that first heard in the Ricki/Terri era but finding new favor among parents who love names like Billie and Frankie, Scottie and Stevie. It was among the fastest-rising names in the US on the 2023 names chart.
  3. Andra
    • Origin:

      Variation of Andrea
    • Description:

      Arty seventies name usually pronounced AHN-dra.
  4. Andrea
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Andrew, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"
    • Description:

      Andrea — a feminine form of Andrew (and a male name in several European cultures) — comes with a good selection of pronunciations — ANN-dree-a, AHN-dree-a, or ahn-DRAY-a — each with a slightly different image: girl next door/slightly affected/downright mysterious
  5. Andria
    • Description:

      Andria is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be considered the feminine form of Andrew, derived from the Greek 'Andreas' meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' In Italian, Andria is also a place name, referring to a city in southern Italy. The name has a soft, flowing quality that has helped maintain its appeal across generations. While not among the most popular girls' names in English-speaking countries, Andria offers an alternative to the more common Andrea, with a slightly different pronunciation emphasis. Its cross-cultural nature makes it appealing to diverse families, and its classical roots give it a timeless quality while maintaining a contemporary feel.

  6. Andy
    • Description:

      Andy as a feminine name typically functions as a diminutive of Andrea, Alexandra, or Miranda, though it has established itself as an independent given name as well. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'andrós' meaning 'man' or 'warrior,' Andy has transcended its masculine origins to become a popular unisex choice. For girls, the name gained traction in the mid-20th century alongside the trend toward gender-neutral nicknames. Andy projects a casual, friendly quality with its short, approachable sound. The name carries associations with independence and a straightforward personality. Its simplicity and familiarity make it accessible across cultures, while still maintaining a slightly unconventional edge for girls. Andy's tomboyish charm appeals to parents seeking a name that is unpretentious yet distinctive.

  7. Ann
    • Origin:

      English variation of Hebrew Hannah
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Ann, the name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary, was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 and show no signs of returning, with Anne is the middle of the US Top 1000 and Ann dropped out of sight.
  8. Annie
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Ann
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Annie is one of the most open and optimistic, the-sun'll-come-out-tomorrow type of name, having been celebrated over the years in song (Annie Laurie), comic strip (Little Orphan Annie), folklore (Annie Oakley, born Phoebe), and film (Annie Hall). It strikes a nice old-fashioned-but-jaunty chord that still has appeal, but we do suggest that you consider putting a more formal version on her birth certificate.
  9. Candy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Candace
    • Description:

      Too sugary sweet and inconsequential for a modern girl.
  10. Casey
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "brave in battle"
    • Description:

      One of the original unisex Irish surname names, energetic Casey bounced onto the scene in the 1960s, then peaked in the 1980s for both boys and girls. Today Casey is having a resurgence for both girls and boys and re-entered the charts on the girls' side, likely due to the character Kayce Dutton (pronounced like Casey) on the hit show Yellowstone.
  11. Cass
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cassandra or Cassia, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "shining or excelling man; cinnamon"
    • Description:

      Ties to the unfortunate Mama are now unraveling, leaving Cass or Cassie to stand on its own as a fresher sounding Cathy or Kate. With gender-neutral names abound and the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls, Cass may be on the up and up.
  12. Cassa
    • Description:

      Cassa is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may serve as a shortened form of Cassandra, the Greek name meaning 'she who entangles men' or a variation of Cassia, derived from the Greek word for cinnamon. In some contexts, it could relate to the Latin 'cassa' meaning 'empty' or 'void.' This short, melodic name has a contemporary feel despite its classical roots. Cassa remains uncommon in most English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality for parents seeking something familiar-sounding yet unique. The name's brevity and ending with 'a' follows traditional feminine naming patterns while its crisp consonants give it a modern edge.

  13. Cassi
    • Description:

      Cassi is a feminine name that functions as both a standalone name and a shortened form of Cassandra or Cassidy. With Greek origins, Cassandra means 'she who entangles men,' while Cassidy has Irish roots meaning 'curly-haired.' The simplified spelling of Cassi, as compared to Cassie, gives the name a modern, streamlined appearance. Gaining popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, Cassi offers a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining femininity. The name strikes a balance between cute and mature, allowing it to grow well with a person through different life stages. Cassi remains a moderately popular choice for parents seeking a name that's sweet and unpretentious.

  14. Cassia
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Cassius or Greek
    • Meaning:

      "cinnamon"
    • Description:

      Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning "hollow."
  15. Cassie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cassandra
    • Meaning:

      "prophetess"
    • Description:

      Though not much in use, still retains a cozy Little House on the Prairie-type pioneer feel.
  16. Sana
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "mountaintop, splendid, brilliant"
    • Description:

      One of the most easily imported Arabic names.
  17. Sandra
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alessandra, Italian from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      2012's Hurricane Sandy blew away whatever style currency Sandra retained from its 1960s Sandra Dee heyday. While in recent years it's been associated with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, as a baby name Sandra is sinking beneath the waves.
  18. Sandy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Sandra or Alexandra
    • Description:

      Nickname name in the era of Grease. Sandy fits well in the era of boyish nicknames for girls - a la Scottie and Stevie - or as an alternative to the rapidly rising Goldie. While it peaked in 1960, Sandy is still given to about 60 baby girls each year.
  19. Sara
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "princess"
    • Description:

      Sara, the streamlined form of Sarah, makes this ancient name feel more modern, but perhaps a bit lighter weight.
  20. Saundra
    • Description:

      Saundra is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Sandra, which itself is a shortened form of Alexandra. This name has Greek origins, ultimately derived from the Greek word "alexein" meaning "to defend" or "to help." Saundra gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1940s through the 1960s, reaching its peak usage in the mid-1950s. The distinctive spelling with 'u' gives the name a slightly more sophisticated or unique quality compared to the more common Sandra. While its usage has declined since the 1970s, Saundra maintains appeal among parents who appreciate vintage names or seek to honor family members. The name carries connotations of strength and dependability, reflecting its etymological roots.