Meaning, origin, history
Cynthia is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is "woman from Kynthos," which was an ancient island in the Aegean Sea that is now known as Syros. According to Greek mythology, Cynthia was a title given to Artemis, the goddess of the moon and hunting.
The name Cynthia gained popularity during the Roman Empire when it was often used as a poetic term for the moon itself. It was also popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Cyntia, who was a martyr in the 3rd century.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Cynthia. One of the most famous is Cynthia Grenville, an English novelist and poet who wrote under the pen name "George Eliot." Another notable figure is Cynthia Ozick, an American novelist and essayist known for her works such as "The Shawl" and "The Puttermesser Papers."
Today, Cynthia remains a popular given name for girls around the world. Its popularity may be due in part to its classic sound and its association with prominent literary figures throughout history.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cyinthia since 1880
Total births
17
Total since 1880
Peak year
1960
7 births
in 1960
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years