Cagney is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Mac an tSaoighthigh," which means "son of the poet." The name was originally associated with individuals who were known for their poetic abilities or who came from families that had a reputation for producing talented poets.
The name Cagney has been popularized in recent years by several notable figures, most notably the actor James Cagney. Born in 1899, Cagney rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood and was known for his roles in films such as "Public Enemy" and "White Heat." Despite being associated with a tough guy persona on screen, Cagney was actually known off-screen for his kindness and generosity.
Today, the name Cagney continues to be associated with these qualities of creativity, talent, and kindness. It is a unique choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child. Although it may not be as commonly used as other Irish names such as Patrick or O'Connor, those who choose Cagney can take pride in its rich history and poetic significance.
The name Cagney has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1982, there were only 7 babies named Cagney, but this number increased significantly to 31 births in 1984. This trend continued into the following year with 30 births in 1985. However, after a peak in 1984 and 1985, the popularity of the name began to decline, with only 9 babies named Cagney in both 1986 and 1987.
There was another small increase in popularity in 1989 with 9 births, but this did not last long as the number of births dropped again to 5 in both 1993 and 2011. Despite these fluctuations, the name Cagney has still seen a total of 105 births over the years, indicating that it has maintained some level of popularity among parents choosing names for their children.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Cagney may have varied over time, it has remained a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking to give their child a memorable name.