Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cyril
BoyGreek· “lordly”
- Meaning
- lordly
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- SEER-ul
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,143
- US babies 2025
- 38
- Best rank
- #263 (1902)
- Peak year
- 1916
Meaning and origin of Cyril
Cyril is a Greek name that means “lordly”.
Cyril comes from Greek Kyrillos, from kyrios, lord. It was borne by several important saints, including Cyril of Alexandria, a fifth-century theologian, and Cyril, the ninth-century missionary to the Slavs who, with his brother Methodius, created an early Slavic alphabet. The Cyrillic script used for Russian and other languages is named after him. In English the name is said SEER-ul or SIR-ul. It was a traditional British name in the early twentieth century and has a distinctly vintage feel today. Kirill is the Russian form, and Cyrille the French.
Popularity over time
Cyril 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 82 different years. Its best national rank was #263 in 1902, and the most babies received it in 1916, when 328 were named Cyril. In 2025, 38 babies were named Cyril, and it ranked #3,143 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #355 in 1920, #758 in 1950, #1,628 in 1980, #1,971 in 2000, #2,643 in 2010, and #3,143 in 2025. Of the 12,034 US boys named Cyril since records began, 22% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 2,209 babies. Since 2010, 682 more have been named Cyril.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Anton, Booker, Abe, Hyman, and Isadore.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cyril ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2253 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Cyril is usually pronounced SEER-ul, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-il”.
Middle names for Cyril
A few middle names that flow with Cyril: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cyril
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Lists that include Cyril
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cyril mean?
Cyril is a Greek name that means “lordly”.
What is the origin of the name Cyril?
Cyril has Greek roots. Cyril comes from Greek Kyrillos, from kyrios, lord.
Is Cyril a popular name?
Not especially. Cyril ranked #3,143 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cyril a boy or girl name?
Cyril is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Cyril?
Cyril is usually pronounced SEER-ul. 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