Cynthia is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is "woman from Kynthos," which was an ancient island in the Aegean Sea that is now known as Syros. According to Greek mythology, Cynthia was a title given to Artemis, the goddess of the moon and hunting.
The name Cynthia gained popularity during the Roman Empire when it was often used as a poetic term for the moon itself. It was also popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Cyntia, who was a martyr in the 3rd century.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Cynthia. One of the most famous is Cynthia Grenville, an English novelist and poet who wrote under the pen name "George Eliot." Another notable figure is Cynthia Ozick, an American novelist and essayist known for her works such as "The Shawl" and "The Puttermesser Papers."
Today, Cynthia remains a popular given name for girls around the world. Its popularity may be due in part to its classic sound and its association with prominent literary figures throughout history.
The name Cynthia has been consistently popular over the years in the United States, with a notable spike during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Between 1958 and 1960, there were a total of 17 babies born named Cynthia each year. In particular, the name saw a slight increase in popularity between 1958 and 1959, with five births in both years, but then experienced a significant jump to seven births in 1960. Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Cynthia has remained a timeless choice for parents looking for a classic and elegant name for their daughters.