A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Cyrene since 1912
Babies named Cyrene per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cyrene's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 19 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 34 |
| 2010s | 77 |
| 2020s | 54 |
Meaning & origin
Cyrene is an exceedingly rare name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1912, the same year it achieved its peak popularity. After a long period of obscurity, it has been gradually rising in use since 2001, likely due to renewed interest in mythological and place names. With fewer than 5 annual births in recent years, Cyrene remains a distinctive choice. The name's connection to the ancient Greek city of Cyrene gives it an air of classical heritage, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a soft, melodic sound.
Cyrene is a name derived from the ancient Greek city of Cyrene in North Africa, which in turn may come from the Greek word 'kyrios' meaning 'lord' or 'master'. In Greek mythology, Cyrene was a nymph, daughter of the river god Peneus, and later associated with the city. The name has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, often as a variant of Cyrenius or as a direct reference to the ancient city.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cy, Rena
Sibling names for Cyrene
Names that share Cyrene's style, for a brother or sister.
