Cass

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A personal name, a short form of Cassandra or Cassius, used for both women and men
2. A first name often given as a diminutive of Cassandra or Cassius, sometimes also a family name
3. Used as a short personal name derived from Cassandra or Cassius, found in English-speaking countries

Etymology: Cassandra was a princess of Troy in Greek myth. Apollo gave her the power of prophecy, and when she refused his advances he cursed her so that no one would ever believe what she said. She foresaw the fall of Troy and the danger of the wooden horse, and was ignored each time. The origin of her name is uncertain. "Cass" is a clipping of the name, cut down to its first syllable and used as a familiar nickname for someone called Cassandra, in the same way that longer names are often shortened among friends and family.