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

Popularity of Cyril by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cyril is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Cyril being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 35 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cyril.

The history of the first name Cyril

The name Cyril originated from the Greek name Kyrillos, which is derived from the Greek word kyrios, meaning "lord" or "master". This name has its roots in the late Roman Empire, where it was used as a Christian name among Greek-speaking populations.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Cyril of Jerusalem, a distinguished theologian and bishop who lived in the 4th century AD. He is best known for his instructional lectures on Christian doctrine, which are considered an important source of early church teachings.

Another prominent figure with this name was Cyril of Alexandria, a 5th-century patriarch who played a crucial role in the Christological controversies of his time. He is recognized as a Doctor of the Church and is known for his defense of the title "Theotokos" (God-bearer) for the Virgin Mary.

In the 9th century, Cyril, along with his brother Methodius, were missionaries who brought Christianity to the Slavic peoples. They are credited with the creation of the Glagolitic alphabet, which laid the foundation for the Cyrillic script used in many Slavic languages today.

During the Middle Ages, the name Cyril gained popularity in various parts of Europe, particularly in regions with strong Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions. Some notable bearers of the name include Cyril Lucaris, a 17th-century Patriarch of Constantinople known for his efforts to reform the Greek Orthodox Church, and Cyril of Turov, a 12th-century bishop and writer in the Kievan Rus'.

In more recent history, Cyril Connolly was a prominent English literary critic and writer born in 1903. He is best known for his work "Enemies of Promise" and his editorship of the influential literary magazine "Horizon".

These are just a few examples of the rich history and significance associated with the name Cyril. Throughout the centuries, this name has been borne by influential figures in various fields, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural 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 Cyril was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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