"to circle, to spin"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Circe
Does Circe flow with your last name?
The enchantress of myth claimed by modern storytelling
Greek
Roman
English
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Unique
Sophisticated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Circe
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"enchantress"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones (different spelling but sounds identical, villainous character)
The Story of Circe
Circe (Greek: Kirke) likely derives from the Greek word kirkos meaning hawk or circle, connected to the circling flight of birds of prey. She is the daughter of the sun god Helios and the oceanid Perse in Greek mythology. Her name may also relate to kirkaO meaning to circle or spin, reflecting her power to transform those around her.
Circe surged in baby name awareness following Madeline Miller's bestselling 2018 novel Circe, which reimagined the mythological enchantress as a complex heroine. The novel won numerous awards and brought mythological names back into fashion for literary parents.
In Greek mythology, Circe is one of the most powerful magic-users, the witch who turned Odysseus's men into pigs. Modern retellings position her as a feminist icon: a woman who claims power in a world of gods and monsters.
Historical Record
Circe first appeared in US Social Security records in 1967.
Over 270 babies have been named Circe in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Circe is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,826 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Madeline Miller researched Circe for nearly ten years before writing the novel
- Circe appears in Homer's Odyssey, Hesiod, Ovid, and Shakespeare
- The word circus may share roots with kirkos (circle), the same root as Circe's name
Circe in Other Languages
Greek
Kirke
Latin
Circe
French
Circe
German
Kirke
Italian
Circe
Spanish
Circe
Popularity Over Time
#4,826
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Circe
C
Circe Fictional
Other
The sorceress of Greek mythology, daughter of Helios, who appears in Homer's Odyssey transforming Odysseus's crew
C
Circe (Madeline Miller novel) Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Miller's acclaimed 2018 novel, reimagined as a feminist heroine discovering her power among gods
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,826
- Total SSA Count
- 28
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Roman English
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Nicknames
Cir
Ciy
Ciie
Cirkins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Circe
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Circe
What does the name Circe mean?
"to circle, to spin" (from Greek). "enchantress" (from Greek mythology). Circe (Greek: Kirke) likely derives from the Greek word kirkos meaning hawk or circle, connected to the circling flight of birds of prey. She is the daughter of the sun god Helios and the oceanid Perse in Greek mythology. Her name may also relate to kirkaO meaning to circle or spin, reflecting her power to transform those around her.
What is the origin of the name Circe?
Circe has Greek, Greek mythology, Roman, and English origins. In Greek, it means "to circle, to spin". In Greek mythology, it means "enchantress".
Is Circe a boy or girl name?
Circe is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Circe?
Circe is currently ranked #4826 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Circe?
Common nicknames for Circe include Cir, Ciy, Ciie, and Cirkins.
What are good middle names for Circe?
Popular middle name pairings include Circe Moon, Circe Wren, Circe Belle, Circe Jade, Circe Rose, Circe Fern, and Circe Lake.
What are good sibling names for Circe?
Names that pair well with Circe as siblings include Medea, Calypso, Ariadne, Perseus, Orpheus, Thalia, and Daedalus.
How many syllables does Circe have?
Circe has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Circe a common or rare name?
Circe is an uncommon name, ranked #4826 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Circe
Circe is a girl name with Greek, Roman, and English origins . The name means "to circle, to spin" in Greek .
Circe is currently ranked #4,826 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Circe has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Circe include Cir, Ciy, Ciie, and Cirkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis