Cyril is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word " Kyrillos ", which means "Lord". It is composed of two elements: "kyrios", meaning lord or master, and "oros", meaning mountain.
The name Cyril has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous was Saint Cyril (also known as Cyrus), who was a missionary and theologian in the 9th century. He is credited with creating the Cyrillic script, which is still used today in many Slavic languages. Another notable figure bearing this name was Cyril VI, the Patriarch of Alexandria from 1043 to 1046.
In some cultures, Cyril is considered a boy's name, while in others it can be used for both boys and girls. It has been popular throughout history, with its usage peaking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Cyril remains a classic choice for parents looking for a strong, traditional name with a rich history.
In terms of variations and related names, some common forms include Kirill (Russian), Kira (feminine form), Kyrillos (Greek), and Kiril (Bulgarian). Some notable people named Cyril include the Australian cricketer Cyril Walsh, the British footballer Cyril Regis, and the French philosopher Michelangelo Signorile.
Overall, Cyril is a name with deep roots in history and culture, carrying a powerful meaning that has resonated throughout centuries. Its timeless appeal makes it an enduring choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their child.
The name Cyril has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1880. Between then and now, there have been a total of 11,951 births registered under this name.
Looking at the annual statistics from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends:
* From 1880 to around 1914, the number of births named Cyril fluctuated between single digits and double digits. However, starting in 1915, there was a significant increase, with over 270 births registered each year.
* The peak years for the name Cyril were during World War I (1914-1918), with 328 births in 1916 and 312 births in 1918. This may indicate that parents at that time were drawn to names with a strong or powerful connotation.
* After the war, the popularity of the name Cyril began to decline, reaching its lowest point in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with fewer than 90 births per year.
* The trend continued until the mid-1960s when the number of births named Cyril started to rise again. This increase could be attributed to various factors such as changing tastes in names or possibly the influence of popular culture on parents' naming choices.
* Despite some fluctuations, the name Cyril has maintained a steady presence among new births since the 1970s, with an average of around 45 births per year from 1975 onwards. In recent years, there have been between 28 and 61 births named Cyril annually.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Cyril has varied over time, it remains a recognizable and enduring choice among American parents.