Kassia is a variant of the name Cassia, which is derived from the Greek word 'kassia', meaning 'cinnamon'. The name is historically significant due to its association with Kassia, a Byzantine-Greek composer, hymnographer, and poet. Kassia holds a unique place in Byzantine music as the only known woman whose music appears in the Byzantine liturgy. The name carries connotations of creativity, spirituality, and historical importance.