Cynthia

Pronunciation: [ s-IHNTH-ee-uh ]

Girl Name #827 Most Popular Steady 3 Syllables

A moon goddess name beloved by the Boomers

English American French Spanish

Classic Elegant Vintage Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"woman from Mount Cynthus"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"moon goddess"

Origin: Greek epithet of Artemis

Language: Greek

The Story of Cynthia

Cynthia is the Latinized form of Greek Kynthia, an epithet for the goddess Artemis who according to myth was born on Mount Cynthus on the island of Delos. The mountain name may derive from the Phoenician word for pinnacle. As a poetic name for the moon goddess, Cynthia was used extensively in Elizabethan and Renaissance literature.

Cynthia surged to enormous popularity in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, ranking in the top 10 for much of that era. It has declined sharply since the 1980s, now feeling distinctly of that Boomer generation.

Elizabethan poets used Cynthia as a poetic name for Queen Elizabeth I, associating her with the moon goddess Diana. Edmund Spenser and Sir Walter Raleigh both wrote famous poems featuring Cynthia as the queen.

Fun Facts

Queen Elizabeth I was frequently addressed as Cynthia in Elizabethan poetry, linking her to the moon goddess Diana
Cynthia was a top-10 U.S. baby name from 1955-1965

Cynthia in Other Languages

Greek Kynthia

French Cynthie

Italian Cinzia

Spanish Cintia

Portuguese Cintia

Famous People Named Cynthia

Cynthia Nixon

Actor

1966

Emmy Award-winning actress known for Sex and the City and political activist

Cyndi Lauper

Musician

1953

Iconic American pop singer known for Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Artemis Fictional

Other

Greek moon goddess born on Mount Cynthus, also known as Cynthia in Latin poetry

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #827
Total SSA Count: 331
Cultural Origins: English American French Spanish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Cindy Cyndi Cyn

Pairs Well With

Cynthia Marie Cynthia Ann Cynthia Louise Cynthia Grace Cynthia Jean Cynthia Elizabeth Cynthia Renee

Sibling Names

Patricia Sandra Deborah Gregory Ronald Douglas Barbara

Also a Boy Name

Cynthia is also used as a boy name, ranked #30902.

View Cynthia as a boy name →

Similar Names

Virginia Sylvia Claudia Sidney Veronica Vida India Silvia

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cynthia

What does the name Cynthia mean?

"woman from Mount Cynthus" (from Greek). "moon goddess" (from Greek epithet of Artemis). Cynthia is the Latinized form of Greek Kynthia, an epithet for the goddess Artemis who according to myth was born on Mount Cynthus on the island of Delos. The mountain name may derive from the Phoenician word for pinnacle. As a poetic name for the moon goddess, Cynthia was used extensively in Elizabethan and Renaissance literature.

What is the origin of the name Cynthia?

Cynthia has Greek, Greek epithet of Artemis, English, American, French, and Spanish origins. In Greek, it means "woman from Mount Cynthus". In Greek epithet of Artemis, it means "moon goddess".

Is Cynthia a boy or girl name?

Cynthia is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #827. As a boy name, it is ranked #30902. Cynthia is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Cynthia?

Cynthia is pronounced s-IHNTH-ee-uh.

How popular is the name Cynthia?

Cynthia is currently ranked #827 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Cynthia?

Common nicknames for Cynthia include Cindy, Cyndi, and Cyn.

What are good middle names for Cynthia?

Popular middle name pairings include Cynthia Marie, Cynthia Ann, Cynthia Louise, Cynthia Grace, Cynthia Jean, Cynthia Elizabeth, and Cynthia Renee.

What are good sibling names for Cynthia?

Names that pair well with Cynthia as siblings include Patricia, Sandra, Deborah, Gregory, Ronald, Douglas, and Barbara.

How many syllables does Cynthia have?

Cynthia has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Cynthia a common or rare name?

Cynthia is moderately common, ranked #827 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Cynthia

Cynthia is a girl name with English, American, French, and Spanish origins . The name means "woman from Mount Cynthus" in Greek .

Is Cynthia a boy or girl name? Cynthia is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #827 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #30,902. Cynthia is more commonly used as a girl name.

Cynthia is currently ranked #827 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Cynthia has 3 syllables and is pronounced s-IHNTH-ee-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Cynthia include Cindy, Cyndi, and Cyn. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.