Cyril
Cyril is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Lordly, masterful, or noble.
Origin and history
Cyril is a classical masculine name derived from the Greek name Kyrillos, meaning lordly or masterful. It has long historical roots in Eastern and Western Christianity, notable for Saints Cyril and Methodius. In the United States, it enjoyed steady usage in the early 20th century and remains a distinctive, traditional choice today.
Popularity in the United States
12,034 babies in the United States have been named Cyril since 1880. It ranks #1078 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1677.
States where it is most popular
- PA (16.6 %)
- NY (14.4 %)
- OH (8.1 %)
- IL (8 %)
- MN (7.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 62 |
| 1890-1900 | 273 |
| 1900-1910 | 429 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,209 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,673 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,423 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,041 |
| 1950-1960 | 845 |
| 1960-1970 | 613 |
| 1970-1980 | 467 |
| 1980-1990 | 449 |
| 1990-2000 | 421 |
| 2000-2010 | 447 |
| 2010-2019 | 432 |
| 2020-2029 | 250 |
Famous people named Cyril
- Cyril Ramaphosa: President, Politician
- Cyril Cusack: Actor
- Cyril Rioli: Athlete, Footballer
Nicknames
Cy
Fun facts
- The Cyrillic script used across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia was named in honor of Saint Cyril.
- The name appears frequently in classic 20th-century literature and modern media, including characters in Agatha Christie novels and animated series.