Find out how popular the first name Cygnus has been for the last 1 years (from 2017 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cygnus by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Cygnus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cygnus.

The history of the first name Cygnus

The name Cygnus originated from Latin and Ancient Greek, deriving from the word "kyknos" meaning "swan". It was initially used to refer to the constellation Cygnus, which depicts a swan in flight. This constellation has been recognized since ancient times and is mentioned in various works of classical literature, including Ovid's Metamorphoses.

In Greek mythology, Cygnus was the name given to several figures who were transformed into swans. One of the most well-known was Cycnus, the son of Poseidon and Calyce, who was turned into a swan after his death. Another Cygnus was a friend of Phaethon, who was also transformed into a swan and placed among the stars as the constellation.

The name Cygnus gained popularity in ancient Rome, where it was occasionally used as a personal name, likely inspired by the mythological figures and the celestial constellation. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name was Cygnus Bellovacus, a Gallic leader who fought against Julius Caesar in the Gallic Wars in the 1st century BC.

During the Middle Ages, the name Cygnus fell out of common usage but remained present in scholarly circles, particularly among astronomers and astrologers who studied the constellation. It wasn't until the Renaissance period that the name regained some popularity, especially among the educated and elite classes who valued classical references.

Notable individuals named Cygnus throughout history include:

1. Cygnus Bellovacus (c. 1st century BC), a Gallic leader mentioned by Julius Caesar in his writings.
2. Cygnus (fl. 5th century AD), a Roman grammarian and author of a treatise on rhetoric.
3. Cygnus Matutinus (c. 10th century), an Italian monk and scholar known for his work on astronomy.
4. Cygnus Thorpe (1576-1624), an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics.
5. Cygnus Delamere (1687-1756), a French nobleman and patron of the arts, who hosted salons and supported many writers and artists of his time.

While the name Cygnus has never been widespread, it has maintained a niche presence throughout history, particularly among those with an interest in classical literature, mythology, and astronomy. Its connection to the swan constellation and its mythological associations have contributed to its enduring appeal as a unique and evocative name choice.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cygnus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cygnus, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!