Find out how popular the first name Cyrene has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cyrene by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cyrene is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cyrene.

The history of the first name Cyrene

The name Cyrene has its origins in ancient Greek culture, deriving from the city of Cyrene, located in modern-day Libya. The city was founded in 630 BC by Greek colonists from the island of Thera. The name Cyrene is believed to be derived from the Greek word "kyrene," which means "sovereign lady."

In Greek mythology, Cyrene was a beautiful nymph who was abducted by the god Apollo. She gave birth to Aristaeus, the god of beekeeping and cheese-making. The city of Cyrene was named after her, and it became an important cultural and intellectual center in the ancient world.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cyrene appears in the ancient Greek epic poem "The Argonautica" by Apollonius of Rhodes, written in the 3rd century BC. The poem mentions the nymph Cyrene and her son Aristaeus.

In the 4th century BC, the philosopher Callimachus of Cyrene was born in the city of Cyrene. He was a renowned poet and scholar at the Library of Alexandria and is considered one of the most influential writers of the Hellenistic period.

Another notable figure associated with the name Cyrene was Saint Cyrene, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to tradition, she was a woman from Cyrene who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and helped carry his cross.

In the 5th century AD, Cyrene was the birthplace of the philosopher and mathematician Synesius of Cyrene, who served as a bishop in the city of Ptolemais.

During the Renaissance period, the Italian humanist and philosopher Cyriacus of Ancona (1391-1452) adopted the name Cyriacus in honor of the ancient city of Cyrene, reflecting his interest in classical antiquity.

Throughout history, the name Cyrene has been bestowed upon various individuals, albeit less frequently than other names of Greek origin. Its association with the ancient city and its rich cultural heritage has contributed to its enduring appeal and significance.

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 Cyrene was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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