Syrus
BoyPersian, American (modern coinage)· “variant of Cyrus”
- Meaning
- variant of Cyrus
- Origin
- Persian, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- SY-ruhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,820
- US babies 2025
- 88
- Best rank
- #1,481 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Syrus
Syrus is a Persian and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “variant of Cyrus”.
Syrus is a respelling of Cyrus, the name of the Persian king Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, who is also honored in the Hebrew Bible for letting exiles return to Jerusalem. The original Old Persian name is Kurush, and its meaning is uncertain; explanations such as "sun" or "far-sighted" are popular rather than proven. Swapping the C for an S keeps the sound, SY-ruhs, while giving the name a sleek, modern look. It sits well with other ancient names coming back into use, such as Atlas and Silas.
Popularity over time
Syrus first appears in US Social Security records in 1982. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,481 in 2023, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 122 were named Syrus. In 2025, 88 babies were named Syrus, and it ranked #1,820 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,370 in 2000, #2,003 in 2010, and #1,820 in 2025. Of the 2,079 US boys named Syrus since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 629 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Zaidyn, Karmelo, Sir, Massiah, and Kassius.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Syrus ranked highest in Nebraska, Kansas, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | #507 | 5 |
| Kansas | #683 | 5 |
| Florida | #1604 | 7 |
| California | #1813 | 9 |
| New York | #2008 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Syrus is usually pronounced SY-ruhs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Syrus
A few middle names that flow with Syrus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Syrus
Similar names
Lists that include Syrus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Syrus mean?
Syrus is a Persian and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “variant of Cyrus”.
What is the origin of the name Syrus?
Syrus has Persian and modern American roots. Syrus is a respelling of Cyrus, the name of the Persian king Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, who is also honored in the Hebrew Bible for letting exiles return to Jerusalem.
Is Syrus a popular name?
Not especially. Syrus ranked #1,820 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Syrus a boy or girl name?
Syrus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Syrus?
Syrus is usually pronounced SY-ruhs. 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