Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Cynthia
GirlGreek· “woman from Mount Kynthos”
- Meaning
- woman from Mount Kynthos
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- SIHN-thee-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,014
- US babies 2025
- 247
- Best rank
- #7 (1957)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Cynthia
Cynthia is a Greek name that means “woman from Mount Kynthos”.
In Greek myth, Artemis was said to have been born on Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos, and poets called her Kynthia after that birthplace. Latin writers kept the title, and because Artemis was linked with the moon, Cynthia became a poetic name for the moon itself in English verse, used by Elizabethan poets as a compliment to Queen Elizabeth I. As an everyday given name it came into its own in the twentieth century and was a favorite of the mid-century era. Today it reads as a polished classic with real mythological roots. Cindy is the traditional nickname, while Cyn and Thea offer fresher options.
Popularity over time
Cynthia has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 145 different years. Its best national rank was #7 in 1957, the same year it reached its highest count of 39,340 babies. In 2025, 247 babies were named Cynthia, and it ranked #1,014 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #388 in 1920, #23 in 1950, #64 in 1980, #164 in 2000, #381 in 2010, and #1,014 in 2025. Of the 711,453 US girls named Cynthia since records began, 37% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 196,597 babies. Since 2010, 7,801 more have been named Cynthia.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Karen, Brenda, Cheryl, Kathy, and Cindy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cynthia ranked highest in Wisconsin, Utah, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | #488 | 10 |
| Utah | #627 | 6 |
| Indiana | #669 | 9 |
| Ohio | #719 | 13 |
| Washington | #752 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Cynthia is usually pronounced SIHN-thee-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Cynthia
A few middle names that flow with Cynthia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cynthia
Similar names
Delia Girl
DEEL-yuh
“of Delos” · Greek
#1,561
Althea Girl
al-THEE-uh
“healing” · Greek
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Daria Girl
DAHR-ee-uh
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Gaia Girl
GY-uh
“earth” · Greek
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Alyssia Girl
uh-LIH-see-uh
“variant of Alyssa” · American (modern coinage)
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Idalia Girl
ee-DAHL-yuh
“from Idalion, a place sacred to Aphrodite” · Greek
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Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
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Sofia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
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Lydia Girl
LIH-dee-uh
“woman from Lydia” · Greek
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Melissa Girl
muh-LIS-uh
“honeybee” · Greek
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Maia Girl
MY-uh
“mother, nurse” · Greek
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Ophelia Girl
oh-FEEL-yuh
“help” · Greek
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Lists that include Cynthia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cynthia mean?
Cynthia is a Greek name that means “woman from Mount Kynthos”.
What is the origin of the name Cynthia?
Cynthia has Greek roots. In Greek myth, Artemis was said to have been born on Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos, and poets called her Kynthia after that birthplace.
Is Cynthia a popular name?
Not especially. Cynthia ranked #1,014 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cynthia a boy or girl name?
Cynthia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Cynthia?
Cynthia is usually pronounced SIHN-thee-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings