Cagney

“son of the marsh”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 36% boys♀ 64% girls

#1695US 2023

505Births / yr

→Stable

291All-time births

📅 Since 198200

How to pronounce Cagney

KAGN·ee

/ˈkæɡn.iː/ · stress on KAGN · 2 syllables

“son of the marsh”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

What does Cagney mean and where does it come from?

Cagney is of Irish origin, derived from the surname 'Ó Caoinneach,' meaning 'descendant of Caoinneach,' with 'caoinneach' meaning 'handsome.' The name has gained popularity as a first name in modern times, particularly in the United States, partly due to American actor James Cagney. It is considered

Cultural significance

Cagney has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the marsh.

Peak popularity

Reached #2679 in 1986 — currently #1695 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Cagney?

Cagney works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cagney Grace

How popular is Cagney right now?

Holding steady — currently #1695 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#1695 · Top 1.3%

1985

1990

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1695	505	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1700	485	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1705	455	▲ up 12225 · +7483% births
2000	#13930	6	▼ down 1583
1990	#12347	6	▼ down 9344 · -81% births
1985	#3003	31	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cagney

Best Year2023Rank #1695

Peak Count505

Average Rank#5730

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1985 - 20236 years

The story of Cagney

Cagney is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. With 291 total births recorded, Cagney remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3003 in 1985 to #1695 in 2023. Cagney is used for both genders: 64% female and 36% male.

Names that peaked alongside Cagney in 1986:

Jessica Ashley Amanda Jennifer Sarah

Cagney by decade

Cagney peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1980s ★	221
1990s	49
2000s	16
2010s	5

💎Cagney has only 291 total recorded births since 1982 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cagney?

Common

CagCaAgney

What names sound and feel like Cagney?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cagney also consider these

Norway · Dawn or Day's

Campney

Latin · A Latin name

Cartney

American · Someone from a

American · A variant of

Common questions about the name Cagney

What does the name Cagney mean?

Cagney means "son of the marsh" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Cagney?

Cagney is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Cagney?

Cagney originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Cagney?

Cagney is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 G N IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Cagney a common or rare name?

Cagney is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.