Cyril

Pronunciation: [ s-IHR-uhl ]

Boy Name #3,001 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Named for the saint who gave the world an alphabet

English Eastern European Greek Slavic Christian

Vintage Classic Literary Sophisticated Strong

Meaning & Origin

"lordly, masterful"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"lord, master"

Origin: Greek Kyrios

Language: English

The Story of Cyril

Cyril comes from the Greek 'Kyrillos,' derived from 'kyrios' meaning 'lord' or 'master.' The name is most famous through Saint Cyril (826–869 AD), the Byzantine missionary who, along with his brother Methodius, created the Glagolitic alphabet to translate the Bible into Slavic languages. The Cyrillic alphabet used today in Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, and other Slavic languages is named in his honor.

Cyril enjoyed consistent use in Britain through the 20th century, associated with intellectual and clerical figures. It has declined as a given name but retains appeal for parents seeking a truly distinctive vintage name with remarkable historical significance.

Saint Cyril is one of the most historically consequential figures in the development of Slavic civilization. The Cyrillic alphabet, derived from his work, is still used by over 250 million people today. Cyril and Methodius are venerated as 'Apostles to the Slavs' in both Catholic and Orthodox Christianity.

Fun Facts

Saint Cyril created the Glagolitic alphabet, the precursor to Cyrillic, used today by 250+ million people
The Cyrillic alphabet used in Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian is named directly after Saint Cyril
Cyril is venerated on February 14 (same day as Valentine's Day) in the Catholic calendar, and May 11 in Orthodox Christianity

Cyril in Other Languages

Greek Κύριλλος

French Cyrille

German Kyrill

Russian Кирилл (Kirill)

Spanish Cirilo

Famous People Named Cyril

Cyril Connolly

Writer

1903

Influential British literary critic and author, founder of Horizon magazine

Saint Cyril

Religious

826

Byzantine Greek missionary who created the Glagolitic alphabet, precursor to Cyrillic, to translate the Bible into Slavi...

Byzantine Greek missionary who created the Glagolitic alphabet, precursor to Cyrillic, to translate the Bible into Slavic languages

Cyril Figgis (Archer) Fictional

Other

Bumbling comptroller character from the animated spy comedy Archer, a comedic namesake

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #3,001
Total SSA Count: 41
Cultural Origins: English Eastern European Greek Slavic Christian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Cyril James Cyril Thomas Cyril Augustus Cyril Edward Cyril Louis Cyril Patrick

Sibling Names

Basil Crispin Edmund Winifred Cordelia Hildegard

Also a Girl Name

Cyril is also used as a girl name, ranked #69758.

View Cyril as a girl name →

Similar Names

Charles Silas Felix Virgil Myron Karl Saul Basil

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cyril

What does the name Cyril mean?

"lordly, masterful" (from Greek). "lord, master" (from Greek Kyrios). Cyril comes from the Greek 'Kyrillos,' derived from 'kyrios' meaning 'lord' or 'master.' The name is most famous through Saint Cyril (826–869 AD), the Byzantine missionary who, along with his brother Methodius, created the Glagolitic alphabet to translate the Bible into Slavic languages. The Cyrillic alphabet used today in Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, and other Slavic languages is named in his honor.

What is the origin of the name Cyril?

Cyril has Greek, Greek Kyrios, English, Eastern European, Slavic, and Christian origins. In Greek, it means "lordly, masterful". In Greek Kyrios, it means "lord, master".

Is Cyril a boy or girl name?

Cyril is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3001. As a girl name, it is ranked #69758. Cyril is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Cyril?

Cyril is pronounced s-IHR-uhl.

How popular is the name Cyril?

Cyril is currently ranked #3001 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Cyril?

Common nicknames for Cyril include Cy.

What are good middle names for Cyril?

Popular middle name pairings include Cyril James, Cyril Thomas, Cyril Augustus, Cyril Edward, Cyril Louis, and Cyril Patrick.

What are good sibling names for Cyril?

Names that pair well with Cyril as siblings include Basil, Crispin, Edmund, Winifred, Cordelia, and Hildegard.

How many syllables does Cyril have?

Cyril has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Cyril a common or rare name?

Cyril is an uncommon name, ranked #3001 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Cyril

Cyril is a boy name with English, Eastern European, Greek, Slavic, and Christian origins . The name means "lordly, masterful" in Greek .

Is Cyril a boy or girl name? Cyril is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,001 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #69,758. Cyril is more commonly used as a boy name.

Cyril is currently ranked #3,001 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Cyril has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-IHR-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Cyril include Cy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.