Circe is a unique and captivating name of Greek origin. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "kirkos," which means "bird." In Greek mythology, Circe was a powerful sorceress who appeared in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey.
According to the myth, Circe was the daughter of Helios, the sun god, and the ocean nymph Perse. She was known for her enchanting beauty and formidable magical abilities. Circe is best remembered for turning Odysseus' men into pigs when they arrived on her island, Aeaea. Despite this act, she eventually helped Odysseus continue his journey home by providing him with a magic herb to counteract the spell she had cast.
The name Circe has gained popularity in recent years as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children. It is often associated with intelligence, creativity, and mystique due to its connection to the mythical sorceress. However, it is important to note that this name does not have any specific traits or characteristics attached to it beyond those of the mythological figure.
In terms of popularity, Circe is considered a rare name today. It has never been among the top 1000 names for girls in the United States, according to Social Security data. This makes it an appealing choice for parents who want their child's name to stand out.
Overall, Circe is a fascinating and distinctive name with deep roots in Greek mythology. Its meaning, "bird," adds an element of grace and freedom that complements its enchanting origin story. Whether you're drawn to the mythical sorceress or simply appreciate unique names with beautiful meanings, Circe is sure to captivate your imagination.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Circe has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. The earliest data available is from 1967 with 5 recorded births that year. There was another peak in 1973 and 1975-1976 with 6 births each year.
The name's popularity seemed to fluctuate throughout the late 20th century, but it started to pick up again around the turn of the millennium. In 2005, there were 7 births, followed by a notable increase to 9 in 2007 and 10 in 2008. While there was a slight dip between 2009-2016 with an average of around 6 births per year, the popularity of Circe has been on the rise again since then.
In recent years, we've seen a substantial increase in the number of births with the name Circe. There were 34 recorded births in 2022 alone, marking it as the most popular year for the name so far. The most recent data from 2023 shows that there have been 18 births, indicating that this trend may continue.
In total, between 1967 and 2023, there have been 242 recorded births with the name Circe in the United States.