Cagney is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname "Mac Cathain," which means "son of Cathán." The name Cathán itself is believed to mean "little wily one" or "shrewd little one."
The name Cagney has a long history in Ireland, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was originally a surname given to descendants of an individual named Cathán. Over time, it became common for people to use their family surnames as given names, and so Cagney began to be used as both a surname and a given name.
Today, Cagney is still a relatively uncommon name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States. It is often associated with the American actor James Cagney, who was known for his roles in classic films such as "White Heat" and "The Public Enemy." However, there is no evidence that James Cagney's family used the name Cagney as a given name before him.
Despite its relatively rare usage, the name Cagney has a certain appeal due to its unique sound and Irish heritage. It is a strong and distinctive name that can make a statement without being too unusual or difficult to pronounce. For those looking for a name with a rich history and a unique sound, Cagney may be an excellent choice.
The name Cagney has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 186 babies being given this name since 1982. The peak years for the name's usage were from 1985 to 1987, during which time between 19 and 31 babies were named Cagney each year. After 1988, the number of births with this name began to decline steadily, with fewer than 10 babies being named Cagney in every subsequent year until 2004. Since then, there have been five births for each of the years 2004, 2009 and 2015.