All about the name

Cressida

Female

« Cressida is a rare yet captivating female name of Latin origin, meaning "to grow" or "to increase," derived from the Roman mythological nymph who continually bloomed into a flower. »

#12260 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Cressida is a unique and captivating female given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "crescere," which means "to grow" or "to increase." This name was popularized by its usage in ancient Roman mythology, where Cressida was the name of a nymph who was transformed into a flower that grows continually. The name Cressida is also associated with the Trojan War in Greek mythology. In this tale, Cressida was a Trojan princess known for her beauty and intelligence. She was also renowned for her betrayal of the Trojan prince Troilus, whom she loved dearly, by revealing military secrets to the Greeks in exchange for the love of the Greek warrior Diomedes. Despite its associations with betrayal in mythology, Cressida is still considered a beautiful and meaningful name choice today. Its Latin origins give it a classical and sophisticated feel, while its unique sound and spelling make it stand out from more common names. For parents looking for an uncommon yet significant name for their daughter, Cressida could be an excellent option. In literature, the name Cressida has been used by several notable authors. It is the title character in William Shakespeare's tragedy "Troilus and Cressida," which explores the ill-fated love affair between Troilus and Cressida during the Trojan War. Additionally, the name appears in the works of Charles Dickens and H.G. Wells. In recent years, the name Cressida has seen a resurgence in popularity among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their daughters. Its Latin origins and association with growth and increase make it a fitting choice for parents who wish to imbue their daughter's name with positive connotations of development and expansion. Overall, Cressida is a captivating and distinctive female given name that combines classical Latin origins with intriguing associations from mythology and literature. Its unique sound and spelling make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a memorable and meaningful name for their daughter.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Cressida since 1880

Total births
144
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
10 births
in 2022
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+5%
vs previous 5 years