Holding steady, #3,128 for boys today.
Popularity of Cyril since 1880
Babies named Cyril per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cyril's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 62 |
| 1890s | 273 |
| 1900s | 429 |
| 1910s | 2,209 |
| 1920s | 2,673 |
| 1930s | 1,423 |
| 1940s | 1,041 |
| 1950s | 845 |
| 1960s | 613 |
| 1970s | 467 |
| 1980s | 449 |
| 1990s | 421 |
| 2000s | 447 |
| 2010s | 432 |
| 2020s | 250 |
Meaning & origin
Cyril is a classic Greek-derived name with deep Christian roots. It peaked in popularity in 1902, when it was far more common than today. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 45,000 boys was named Cyril, placing it at rank 3128. The name has remained consistently rare over the past century, never experiencing a dramatic revival. Its use in the United States is widely distributed, with a slight concentration in California. The name's association with learned saints gives it a scholarly, traditional character.
From the Greek name Κύριλλος (Kyrillos), derived from κύριος (kyrios) meaning 'lord, master.' It was a common name among early Christians, borne by several saints including Cyril of Alexandria, a Church Father, and Saints Cyril and Methodius, who evangelized the Slavs.
Where Cyril is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cyril” around the world
Where Cyril lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Cyril
Names that share Cyril's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Theodora, Irene, Anastasia, Sophia, Elena, Beryl, Charmaine, Almeta, Anthea, Bernadene, Cyrilla, Trilby, Anysia, Myrical, Euline, Leomia, Mosella, Myrene, Orilla, Pearlina, Syvilla
Brothers: Constantine, Dmitri, Gregory, Leo, Nicholas, Denzil, Cornel, Lenton, Leodis, Veryl, Vestal, Densil, Donat, Duriel, Fidelis, Meril, Pelham, Philopateer
