Declining since 1985, #1,013 for girls today.
Popularity of Cynthia since 1880
Babies named Cynthia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 582 |
| 1890s | 701 |
| 1900s | 694 |
| 1910s | 1,911 |
| 1920s | 3,661 |
| 1930s | 9,666 |
| 1940s | 58,061 |
| 1950s | 263,432 |
| 1960s | 196,597 |
| 1970s | 80,196 |
| 1980s | 41,666 |
| 1990s | 31,313 |
| 2000s | 15,172 |
| 2010s | 5,946 |
| 2020s | 1,855 |
Meaning & origin
Cynthia is a name rooted in Greek mythology, derived from an epithet of the goddess Artemis. In the United States, Cynthia's peak popularity arrived in 1957, a year when it was firmly established among the top names for girls. By the latest data in 2025, the name sits at rank 1013, a far cry from its mid-century heights, with only about 1 in 6,507 baby girls receiving it. This steady decline since 1985 reflects broader shifts away from the elaborate feminine names that once dominated. Despite its waning use, Cynthia retains a quiet classicism. Top states for the name include Wisconsin, Utah, and Indiana, suggesting pockets of continued affection in the Midwest and Mountain West.
Cynthia derives from the Greek Kynthia, a byname of Artemis, who was born on Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos. The name entered English through Latin, gaining literary usage in poetry and drama from the 16th century onward. It saw steady use in the English-speaking world, peaking in popularity in the mid-20th century.
Where Cynthia 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.
“Cynthia” around the world
Where Cynthia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cindy, Cyn, Thia
Sibling names for Cynthia
Names that share Cynthia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Deborah, Patricia, Susan, Angela, Melissa, Belinda, Brenda, Cheryl, Janet, Linda, Lynda, Marcia, Nancy, Valerie, Felecia, Karolyn, Karyn, Lesa, Maranda, Milissa, Pamala, Saundra, Tambra, Tamela, Vonda, Anglea, Cherilyn, Debbra, Debera, Deedra, Dennise, Jolynn, Kathey, Loriann, Melissia, Melynda, Pamelia, Pamella, Sabrena, Sharyl, Synthia, Wonda, Yesica, Angelynn, Belynda, Branda, Charlynn, Cymone, Cynda, Cyndie, Cynitha, Deeanne, Genice, Kellene, Kristene, Lacinda, Leaann, Lethia, Lindia, Lizanne, Lynnda, Malynda, Marlinda, Marlissa, Mylinda, Pamila, Patrisha, Renda, Samanthia, Sebrena, Sharry, Sheria, Sherida, Sherine, Sherrilyn, Sonji, Suzzanne, Terriann, Tondra, Tracia, Trishia, Cherilynn, Cherylynn, Cindra, Cyndia, Cynethia, Cynithia, Debara, Deborra, Debraann, Debralee, Jenice, Krisann, Lesle, Lorilyn, Lynanne, Lynee, Patrici, Sherrilynn, Stephenia, Terrisa, Wenda, Blinda, Brynda, Caroly, Cheralyn, Cyntha, Cythina, Dawnya, Deardra, Jheri, Khristie, Lizann, Marchia, Marshia, Pamelyn, Particia, Pattiann, Rhenda, Sandar, Shelie, Sherriann, Tabathia, Tammatha
Brothers: Michael, David, James, Mark, Steven, Gregory, Terence, Terrence, Timothy, Geremy, Jeffry, Randon, Sheron, Darrly, Jeris, Jerris, Darryel, Stedman
Names like Cynthia
Names whose popularity has moved with Cynthia's over the last 50 years.
