Rising since 2011, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Cypher since 2011
Babies named Cypher per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 75 |
| 2020s | 112 |
Meaning & origin
Cypher is a modern coinage that first entered U.S. birth records in 2011. It has risen steadily in usage since then, reaching a peak rank in 2022. In 2025, it ranked 5,608th nationally, with about 1 in every 106,755 newborn boys receiving the name. The name's exact origin is uncertain, but it likely draws from 'cipher,' a word inherited from Arabic sifr meaning 'zero' or 'code,' giving it a sleek, tech-savvy appeal. Alternatively, it may be a variant of the island name Cyprus. As a rare and contemporary choice, Cypher fits among other modern word-inspired names. Its trajectory suggests continued growth among parents seeking unique, stylish options.
Cypher appears to be a respelling of 'cipher,' meaning 'zero' or 'code,' taken from Arabic 'sifr.' It may also derive from Cyprus, the island nation. As a given name, it likely emerged as a modern coinage inspired by its stylish sound and technological connotations.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cy, Pher
Variants: Cipher, Cyphus
Sibling names for Cypher
Names that share Cypher's style, for a brother or sister.
