"lordly, masterful"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Cyril
Pronunciation: [ s-IHR-uhl ]
Does Cyril flow with your last name?
Named for the saint who gave the world an alphabet
English
Eastern European
Greek
Slavic
Christian
Vintage
Classic
Literary
Sophisticated
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"lord, master"
Origin: Greek Kyrios
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Cyril first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,883 babies have been named Cyril in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cyril is past its peak , currently ranked #3,001 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#3,001
Current Rank
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cyril
C
Cyril Connolly
Writer
1903
Influential British literary critic and author, founder of Horizon magazine
S
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
C
Cyril Figgis (Archer) Fictional
Other
Bumbling comptroller character from the animated spy comedy Archer, a comedic namesake
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Compare Cyril with:
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
Cy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cyril
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cyril is also used as a girl name, ranked #69758.
View Cyril as a girl name →Similar Names
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"of the Saxon people"
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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 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.
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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