Descendant of the advocate or the belligerent one
Derived from the Irish surname Γ Caingne, which likely stems from the word 'caingean' meaning a dispute, case, or cause. It suggests a person who is an advocate or perhaps someone with a spirited, feisty nature. While traditionally a surname, it gained some use as a given name in the late 20th century.
Less common today
Cagney isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #9,411 in 1993.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).
Police detective Christine Cagney Β· Cagney & Lacey
Flower boss character Β· Cuphead