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

Popularity of Cyrus by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,117 male babies and 9 female babies born with the name Cyrus.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 9 baby girls were named Cyrus in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Cyrus

The name Cyrus is derived from the Persian word "Kūrush", which means "far-sighted" or "young" in the ancient Persian language. It has its origins in the Persian Empire, which was founded in the 6th century BCE and spanned across parts of Western Asia and the Caucasus.

The name Cyrus gained significant historical prominence due to its association with Cyrus the Great, who ruled the Persian Empire from 559 BCE to 530 BCE. He was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and is renowned for his military campaigns, as well as his policies of religious tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.

The name Cyrus is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), where it refers to Cyrus the Great and his role in allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. The biblical book of Ezra and the book of Isaiah both mention Cyrus by name.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Cyrus can be traced back to the 6th century BCE, during the reign of Cyrus the Great. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name, including:

1. Cyrus the Younger (423 BCE - 401 BCE), a Persian prince and younger son of Darius II, who led a rebellion against his brother Artaxerxes II.
2. Cyrus of Panopolis (5th century CE), a Greek poet and philosopher from Egypt.
3. Cyrus of Alexandria (6th century CE), a Greek bishop and theologian who played a significant role in the Christological debates of his time.
4. Cyrus the Younger (590 CE - 660 CE), a Byzantine general and close advisor to Emperor Constans II.
5. Cyrus the Patrician (8th century CE), a Byzantine aristocrat and governor of the Exarchate of Ravenna during the Byzantine-Lombard Wars.

The name Cyrus has been used across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its enduring legacy and historical significance. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Persia, the name has transcended its geographical boundaries and continues to be used in various parts of the world today.

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

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

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