Cassius

The name Cassius is a boy's name of Latin origin meaning "hollow". Cassius, a Shakespearean name rooted in antiquity, is coming into fashion in a major way. There were two notable Ancient Roman figures named Cassius. Cassius Dio wrote an 80-volume history of Rome. Gaius Cassius Longinus, a senator who led the assassination plot against Julius Caesar, is the main figure in Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. In more modern times, Cassius Clay was an abolitionist and also the birth name of boxer Muhammad Ali. It was chosen for their sons by singer Bobby Brown and Getty heir/actor Balthazar Getty. Vanessa Marcil and Brian Austin Green used the nouveau Kassius spelling for theirs. With these namesakes, it's no surprise this name has become popular in recent years. Cassius is one of a number of Cas-starting names drawing attention, including Caspian, Cassian, Castor, Casper, Cashel, and Cash. Cass and Cash are both accessible nicknames. Americans tend to pronounce the name CASH-us while Europeans, including the British, say CASS-ee-us.