Cynthia is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "Kynthos," which means "from Mount Kynthos." Mount Kynthos was one of the mountains on the island of Delos, a small island in the Aegean Sea known for its association with the Greek goddess Artemis.
The name Cynthia gained popularity during the Roman Empire when it was used by several prominent figures. One notable example is Cynthia, who was the mistress of the Roman poet Propertius and inspired many of his love poems.
In terms of history, the name Cynthia has been used since ancient times but became more popular in the Middle Ages. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for girls' names around the world.
The name Cynthia has a rich history of popularity in the United States, with over 710,000 recorded births since 1880. The name first gained significant traction in the late 1800s, with an average of around 50 births per year between 1880 and 1899.
The early 1900s saw a steady increase in the popularity of the name Cynthia, reaching over 100 births per year by 1912. This trend continued throughout the first half of the century, with peaks in popularity occurring in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The height of Cynthia's popularity was reached in the mid-1950s, with over 32,000 births recorded in 1956 alone. This represented a significant increase from previous years and marked Cynthia as one of the most popular names for girls at the time.
While the name has since declined in popularity, it remains a beloved choice among parents in the United States. In recent years, an average of around 300 births per year have been recorded with the name Cynthia. This demonstrates that while its peak popularity may have passed, the name continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many families.
Overall, the statistics paint a picture of Cynthia as a timeless and beloved name, with a rich history of popularity in the United States. Whether you're a fan of classic names or simply appreciate their historical significance, there's no denying that Cynthia has made its mark on American culture.