Surname Casey - Meaning and Origin

The Impact of iGENEA DNA Test on my Perception of the Surname Casey and Personal Identity

Unlocking the depths of my personal identity and heritage through the results of my iGENEA DNA test brought a new light to my understanding of my surname – Casey.

O. Casey

Casey: What does the surname Casey mean?

The last name Casey is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'Cathasaigh". It consists of two elements – 'cathasach' meaning 'watchful' or 'vigilant', and 'O' prefix meaning 'grandson' or 'descendant of'. Therefore, it roughly translates to 'descendant of the vigilant one.' The Casey family originated from various parts of Ireland, including Roscommon, Cork, and Dublin. Over time, the family name spread across the world due to Irish diaspora during the Great Famine in the 19th century. Today, it is a common surname found in many English-speaking countries. The family motto, "Per Varios Casus", translates to "By Various Fortunes", which perhaps reflects the resilient spirit of the Casey clan throughout history. There are various prominent personalities with the surname Casey, across fields like politics, literature, sports, and entertainment.

Casey: Where does the name Casey come from?

The surname Casey has Irish roots and derives from the Gaelic Ó Cathasaigh or Ó Casaide, which means descendant or son of Cathasaigh. The personal name Cathasaigh is a combination of two Gaelic elements: "cath", which means battle, and "saigh", which means lazy. Thus, this surname may denote the progeny of a warrior or a vigilante.

Different septs (branches of a clan) of the Casey family were located in various regions of Ireland, including Dublin, Kerry, Fermanagh, and Roscommon. Despite the dispersion over several counties, the Casey family has a strong presence in Munongh, Cork, and Clare. Emblematically, the family crest bears the motto "without fear".

Today, the surname Casey is prevalent in Ireland, the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. The largest concentration of people with this surname, however, is found in the United States. This can be easily attributed to the Irish diaspora's prominent movement to North America during the Great Famine in the mid-1800s. Consequently, despite its Irish origin, the name Casey is now a popular surname worldwide.

Variations of the surname Casey

The surname Casey is Irish in origin, derived from the Gaelic "O'Cathasaigh." Over time, there have been many variations in spelling due to a combination of regional dialects and translations. These include: O'Casey, O'Cassidy, Caice, Cash, Cassey, O'Caise, Kacy, O'Kasey, McCasie, Keasey, and O'Kacey.

Some variations are common surnames themselves, like Cassidy, while others may be fairly rare. There are also cases where Casey could have been changed or altered through the course of immigration or anglicisation, leading to a variety of other possible surnames.

Please note that while these names may have similar spellings or sound similar, that doesn’t always mean they share the same origin or meaning. For example, the surname Cash, while similar in spelling to Casey, is generally of English origin, not Irish.

It's important to remember to always consider the historical, linguistic, and cultural context of a surname when delving into its origins and variations.

Famous people with the name Casey

• Sean Casey: Former American major league baseball first baseman known as "The Mayor."
• Anne Casey: Famous Australian poet and author.
• John Casey: Well-known American novelist.
• Bob Casey: U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.
• Karen Casey: Renowned author and lecturer.
• Bernard Casey: American comedian, director, and actor.
• Al Casey: Famous American guitarist.
• Casey Affleck: American actor and director, best known for his roles in "Good Will Hunting," and "Manchester by the Sea."
• Casey Neistat: Popular YouTuber and filmmaker.
• Casey Wilson: American actress, comedian, and screenwriter.
• Casey Kasem: Famous radio host and voice actor, best known for creating the music radio program "American Top 40."
• George William Casey Jr.: Retired United States Army general who served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.
• John Luther Casey Jones: Famous American railroader who was killed in the crash of the train he was operating.
• Casey Stoney: Former English footballer and current manager.
• Casey Dellacqua: Professional Australian tennis player.
• William Casey: Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1981 to 1987.
• Karan Casey: Irish folk singer, known for her solo career and work with the band Solas.
• Casey Crescenzo: American musician, he is the singer, songwriter and guitarist for the band The Dear Hunter.

Other surnames

CaseCasellaCasementCasemirCasety