Meaning, origin, history
Cinderella is a name of English origin that has gained popularity as the title character in various fairy tales and Disney adaptations. The name itself does not have a specific meaning or etymology, but rather it was coined for use in the original Cinderella story.
The tale of Cinderella first appeared in print in 1697 in France, written by Charles Perrault as "Cendrillon." The story follows a young woman named Ella who is forced to work as a servant in her own home after her father's remarriage. Despite the cruelty she faces from her stepfamily, Ella remains kind and virtuous, earning her the nickname Cinderella due to herashes covered in cinders from working by the fireplace.
The name Cinderella was created for this character specifically, with "Cinder" referring to the ashes and soot that covered her clothes while working, and "Ella" serving as a shortened form of her given name Ella. The name has since become synonymous with the story itself, and has been used in numerous adaptations across different cultures throughout history.
Today, Cinderella remains a popular name choice for parents seeking something unique and memorable for their daughters. While it may not have a specific meaning or etymology like many other names, its association with the beloved fairy tale character makes it instantly recognizable and appealing to many.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cinderella since 1880
Total births
902
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
25 births
in 2023
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+457%
↗
vs previous 5 years