Cyan

Meaning & origin

Cyan entered U.S. birth records in 1986 and has always been an uncommon name. Its peak year was 1998, after which it declined but remained in sporadic use. As of 2025, it ranks 5,722 with a frequency of 1 in 76,537 newborns, placing it among the rarest color names. The trajectory for the past decade is stable, with no significant resurgence. The name was never concentrated in any particular state. Cyan's appeal likely lies in its fresh sound and association with a vivid color, making it a creative, gender-neutral choice for parents seeking a distinctive name that feels modern and unconstrained by tradition.

Cyan is a modern coinage derived from the English word for the blue-green color, which itself comes from Ancient Greek κύανος (kyanos, 'dark blue enamel'). The name first appeared in U.S. records in the 1980s, likely invented by parents seeking a nature-inspired, gender-neutral name. It remains a very rare choice.