Declining since 1985, #1,927 for girls today.
Popularity of Cindy since 1886
Babies named Cindy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 15 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 35 |
| 1910s | 81 |
| 1920s | 117 |
| 1930s | 277 |
| 1940s | 5,469 |
| 1950s | 83,979 |
| 1960s | 91,595 |
| 1970s | 30,876 |
| 1980s | 16,020 |
| 1990s | 15,039 |
| 2000s | 9,896 |
| 2010s | 3,182 |
| 2020s | 708 |
Meaning & origin
Cindy first appeared on U.S. records in 1886, but its real heyday came mid-20th century. It reached its highest usage in 1957, reflecting the era's affection for friendly, diminutive girl names. Since 1985, however, its popularity has steadily declined, and the 2025 data shows it at 1 in 16,073 births. Top states for Cindy include Indiana, New York, and Georgia, suggesting broad geographic appeal but a particular concentration in the Midwest and South. The name's trajectory underscores how a once-common diminutive can fall out of fashion as parents shift toward fresher choices. Despite the decline, Cindy maintains a familiar and unpretentious image.
Cindy originated as a diminutive of Cynthia, which is the Latin feminine form of Greek Kynthia, meaning "woman from Mount Cynthus." Cynthia was an epithet of the goddess Artemis, associated with the moon. As a given name, Cynthia came into use in the 17th century, and Cindy emerged as a common short form, becoming especially popular in the 20th century as a standalone name.
Where Cindy is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cindy” around the world
Where Cindy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Cindy
Names that share Cindy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Linda, Debbie, Sandra, Pamela, Donna, Kathy, Rhonda, Sandy, Shari, Sheri, Sherrie, Sherry, Tammy, Terri, Tonya, Bobbijo, Candi, Cheri, Christi, Cristy, Debby, Geri, Jeri, Lauri, Lindy, Lorie, Lorri, Lorrie, Lyndi, Mandi, Mandy, Mindy, Patti, Sandi, Shanda, Tami, Tammi, Tammie, Teri, Vickey, Vickie, Vikki, Wendi, Bonni, Carri, Deb, Debbi, Debi, Donya, Karry, Kimmie, Lory, Mandie, Marti, Mistie, Perri, Robbi, Sandee, Sandie, Sharee, Sharie, Sherie, Sindy, Suzi, Wende, Wendie, Angi, Candee, Chery, Debie, Dustie, Glendy, Joani, Kandee, Kandie, Krissie, Lezlee, Lindee, Lindie, Mandee, Marcee, Marcey, Mindee, Mindie, Sendy, Sharrie, Shellee, Sherrye, Shiree, Sindi, Tammye, Tamy, Tawnia, Terrilyn, Terrye, Windi, Buffie, Chrisie, Chrisy, Cinde, Deby, Denni, Donni, Ginni, Jancy, Jerie, Kellyjo, Khristy, Mystie, Nikie, Pammy, Robbyn, Shonnie, Tammey, Tangee, Tonni, Trica, Kimarie, Tambi, Bekki, Brandalynn, Brendy, Dedee, Jany, Jodiann, Kathyjo, Lendy, Lorilynn, Myndi, Pammie, Rendi, Rindy, Sheralee, Sherilee, Sundy, Tamee, Tamey, Tarrie, Terilynn, Toyna, Tressy, Windie, Yeny
Brothers: Jimmy, Tommy, Johnny, Danny, Bobby, Jody, Ricky, Denny, Rusty, Bubba, Dondi, Tarry, Joedy, Chucky, Rendy, Tery
Names like Cindy
Names whose popularity has moved with Cindy's over the last 50 years.
