Find out how popular the first name Tyranny has been for the last 16 years (from 1994 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tyranny by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Tyranny is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tyranny.

The history of the first name Tyranny

The name Tyranny finds its origins in ancient Greek, deriving from the word "tyrannos," which initially referred to an absolute sovereign or monarch who ruled without consent. This term was later adopted by the Romans, where it took on a more negative connotation, signifying a cruel and oppressive ruler who governed through fear and force.

During the classical era, the name Tyranny was often associated with despotic leaders and autocratic regimes. In Plato's dialogues, the philosopher frequently criticized the concept of tyranny, viewing it as an unjust and corrupted form of government antithetical to the ideals of democracy and the rule of law.

One of the earliest recorded examples of an individual bearing the name Tyranny can be traced back to the 5th century BCE. Tyranny of Syracuse was a powerful ruler who governed the Greek city-state of Syracuse, located in modern-day Sicily, from 485 to 478 BCE. Despite his harsh methods of control, Tyranny is credited with expanding Syracuse's territorial dominance and fortifying the city's defenses against external threats.

In the medieval period, the name Tyranny became less common, as it carried negative connotations associated with oppressive rule and the abuse of power. However, during the Renaissance, the name experienced a resurgence, particularly among writers and intellectuals who sought to explore the complexities of governance and the potential for tyrannical tendencies in leaders.

One notable figure from this era was Tyranny Tyndale, an English scholar and Bible translator who lived from 1494 to 1536. Tyndale's pioneering work in translating the Bible into English played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation and had a lasting impact on the English language.

In the 18th century, the name Tyranny gained renewed attention during the Age of Enlightenment, as political philosophers like Montesquieu and Voltaire critically examined the nature of power and the potential for its abuse. Tyranny Paine, an English-born American political activist and revolutionary who lived from 1737 to 1809, was a prominent figure in this era. His influential writings, such as "Common Sense" and "The Rights of Man," helped shape the ideological foundations of the American Revolution and advocated for the principles of liberty and democracy.

In the 20th century, the name Tyranny was less commonly used, reflecting a growing aversion to the concept of tyrannical rule in modern democracies. However, it did gain notoriety in the context of political discourse and literature, often serving as a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of civil liberties.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tyranny, 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!