Cybele is a unique and uncommon female given name of Greek origin. It was originally the name of a Phrygian goddess who was known for her power over wild animals and nature. The goddess Cybele was worshipped in ancient Greece and Rome, where she was associated with mountains, caves, and natural landscapes.
In Greek mythology, Cybele was often depicted as a mother figure, protecting and nurturing the natural world around her. She was also known for her role in the myth of Attis, a young man who was transformed into a pine tree after being struck by lightning while trying to prove his love for Cybele.
The name Cybele is derived from the Greek word "kybele," which means "mother." It has been used as a given name in various cultures throughout history, but it remains relatively rare today. Some notable figures with the name Cybele include Cybele Lethbridge-Stewart, a character in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, and Cybele Sheppard, an American actress known for her role in the soap opera Days of Our Lives.
Overall, Cybele is a distinctive and meaningful name with deep roots in ancient mythology. Its association with nature, protection, and nurturing makes it a unique choice for parents looking for a powerful and memorable name for their daughter.
The name Cybele has seen a varied history of usage over the years in the United States. The peak period for this name was between 1963 and 1974, with a total of 156 births recorded during these years.
In the early years of this period, Cybele was quite popular, with 16 births each year in both 1963 and 1964. This popularity continued into 1965 and 1966, with 14 and 17 births respectively. However, there was a slight decline in the years that followed, with 12 births in 1967 and 13 in 1968.
Interestingly, the name made a comeback in 1969 with another 16 births. However, this trend did not continue into the following years. There were only 11 births in 1970, 10 in 1971, and just 8 in 1973.
After 1974, there was a significant gap before the name Cybele appeared again. In fact, it wasn't until 2006 that another birth was recorded with this name, and then again in 2010 with 7 births. Most recently, there were 6 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, while Cybele has not been one of the most commonly used names in the United States, it has maintained a consistent, if small, presence over the years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in the coming years.