Kirill is a popular male given name of Russian origin and meaning "sun" or "ray of light". It comes from the Greek word "Kyrillos", which was derived from the name of Saint Cyril, an early missionary and theologian who helped to spread Christianity among the Slavic peoples.
The name Kirill has been widely used in Russia and other Eastern European countries for centuries. It gained particular prominence during the reign of Tsar Peter the Great (1682-1725), who had a son named Kirill. Since then, several members of the Romanov dynasty have borne this name.
In Russia, Kirill is often associated with intelligence and wisdom due to its connection with Saint Cyril, who was renowned for his scholarship and learning. However, it is important to note that individuals named Kirill may possess any number of personality traits regardless of their name's meaning or origin.
Today, Kirill remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet traditional Russian name for their sons. It has also gained international recognition due in part to its use by prominent figures such as Kirill Lavrov, a renowned Russian actor, and Kirill Gerasimovich, a cosmonaut who participated in the Soyuz TMA-19 mission to the International Space Station.
Overall, Kirill is an attractive and meaningful name with deep historical roots that continues to be chosen by parents seeking a special name for their sons.
The name Kirill experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1990s to around 2014, with a peak of 38 births in 2014. However, since then, its popularity has decreased, with only 8 births recorded in 2022 and 10 in 2023. Overall, there were 467 babies named Kirill from 1997 to 2023.