What does Cynthia mean and where does it come from?
Cynthia has its origins in Greek and is often associated with Artemis, the goddess of the moon and hunting. The name means 'from Mount Cynthus,' reflecting the location of Artemis's birthplace. Popularized in the English-speaking world during the 17th century, it was notably used by poets such as Jo
Cultural significance
Cynthia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of moon goddess.
Peak popularity
Reached #7 in 1957 — currently #1014 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cynthia?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cynthia?
Cynthia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cynthia Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cynthia Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Cynthia Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Cynthia Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Cynthia Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Cynthia Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Cynthia right now?
Falling — down 185 spots — currently #1014 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1014 | 247 | ▼ down 185 · -25% births |
| 2024 | #829 | 331 | ▲ up 42 · +7% births |
| 2023 | #871 | 308 | ▲ up 17 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #888 | 314 | ▼ down 82 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #806 | 346 | ▲ up 60 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #866 | 307 | ▼ down 327 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #539 | 579 | ▼ down 156 · -30% births |
| 2010 | #383 | 833 | ▼ down 162 · -47% births |
| 2005 | #221 | 1,572 | ▼ down 57 · -23% births |
| 2000 | #164 | 2,038 | ▼ down 51 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #113 | 2,958 | ▼ down 25 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #88 | 3,794 | ▼ down 22 · -8% births |
| 1985 | #66 | 4,130 | ▼ down 2 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #64 | 4,700 | ▼ down 24 · -28% births |
| 1975 | #40 | 6,540 | — |
The story of Cynthia
Cynthia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #7 in 1957, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 712K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #197 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #871 in 2023. Cynthia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cynthia in 1957:
Cynthia by decade
Cynthia peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 582 | |
| 1890s | 701 | |
| 1900s | 694 | |
| 1910s | 1,911 | |
| 1920s | 3,663 | |
| 1930s | 9,695 | |
| 1940s | 58,204 | |
| 1950s ★ | 263,858 | |
| 1960s | 197,159 | |
| 1970s | 80,543 | |
| 1980s | 41,937 | |
| 1990s | 31,466 | |
| 2000s | 15,174 | |
| 2010s | 5,929 | |
| 2020s | 885 | |
What are good nicknames for Cynthia?
ENGLISH
CindiCindyCyndiSindy
What names sound and feel like Cynthia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cynthia also consider these
How is Cynthia written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Cynthia
What does the name Cynthia mean?
Cynthia means "moon goddess" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cynthia?
Cynthia is currently ranked #871 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cynthia?
Cynthia originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cynthia?
Cynthia is a three-syllable name pronounced SINTH-ee-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Cynthia?
Cynthia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.