Syrus

Boy Name #1,724 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Named for history's most celebrated liberator — sun-crowned and royal

Persian American Greek

Strong Royal Vintage Bold Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"sun, sunshine"

Origin: Old Persian khur

Language: Persian

"throne"

Origin: Old Persian kuru

Language: Persian

"the Persian"

Origin: Greek Kyros

Language: Greek

The Story of Syrus

Syrus is an alternate spelling of Cyrus, the Greek form of the Persian name Kūruš (کوروش). The meaning is debated — it may derive from Old Persian 'khur' meaning sun, or from Old Persian 'kuru' meaning throne, or possibly from Elamite. Cyrus the Great (600-530 BCE), founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, was celebrated in the Hebrew Bible as a liberator who freed the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. The name carries extraordinary historical weight.

Cyrus/Syrus has seen a revival fueled by multiple cultural touchpoints: the Miley Cyrus/Billy Ray Cyrus family (who spell it Cyrus), the beloved character Syrus (Sy) in the film Boyz n the Hood (1991), and broader interest in Persian-origin names. The 'y' spelling gives it a modern, distinctive edge.

Cyrus the Great is revered in Persian culture as the founder of the first Persian Empire and one of antiquity's most enlightened rulers. His Cyrus Cylinder, created after his conquest of Babylon in 539 BCE, is sometimes called the world's first human rights charter. In the Hebrew Bible, he is praised as a messiah-like figure who freed the Jews. The name carries remarkable historic dignity.

Fun Facts

Cyrus the Great's Cyrus Cylinder (539 BCE) is considered by some scholars the world's first declaration of human rights
The Hebrew Bible refers to Cyrus the Great as a messiah ('mashiach') — one of the very few non-Jews given this title
Billy Ray Cyrus named himself and his family after Cyrus the Great

Syrus in Other Languages

Greek Κῦρος (Kyros)

Latin Cyrus

Arabic كورش

Hebrew כּוֹרֶשׁ (Koresh)

Persian کوروش (Kourosh)

Famous People Named Syrus

Miley Cyrus

Musician

1992

American singer and actress who rose to fame on Hannah Montana and went on to become a global pop star

Billy Ray Cyrus

Musician

1961

American country singer known for Achy Breaky Heart and father of pop star Miley Cyrus

Cyrus the Great

Royalty

600

Founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, who freed the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity and created what some ca...

Founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, who freed the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity and created what some call the world's first human rights charter

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,724
Total SSA Count: 96
Cultural Origins: Persian American Greek
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Syrus James Syrus Lee Syrus Alexander Syrus Cole Syrus Grant Syrus Reid Syrus Penn

Sibling Names

Darius Xerxes Leila Nasrin Aria Cyrus Kian

Similar Names

Silas Felix Simon Cyrus Myron Jonas Titus Cyril

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Syrus

What does the name Syrus mean?

"sun, sunshine" (from Old Persian khur). "throne" (from Old Persian kuru). "the Persian" (from Greek Kyros). Syrus is an alternate spelling of Cyrus, the Greek form of the Persian name Kūruš (کوروش). The meaning is debated — it may derive from Old Persian 'khur' meaning sun, or from Old Persian 'kuru' meaning throne, or possibly from Elamite. Cyrus the Great (600-530 BCE), founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, was celebrated in the Hebrew Bible as a liberator who freed the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. The name carries extraordinary historical weight.

What is the origin of the name Syrus?

Syrus has Old Persian khur, Old Persian kuru, Greek Kyros, Persian, American, and Greek origins. In Old Persian khur, it means "sun, sunshine". In Old Persian kuru, it means "throne". In Greek Kyros, it means "the Persian".

Is Syrus a boy or girl name?

Syrus is primarily used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Syrus?

Syrus is currently ranked #1724 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Syrus?

Common nicknames for Syrus include Sy.

What are good middle names for Syrus?

Popular middle name pairings include Syrus James, Syrus Lee, Syrus Alexander, Syrus Cole, Syrus Grant, Syrus Reid, and Syrus Penn.

What are good sibling names for Syrus?

Names that pair well with Syrus as siblings include Darius, Xerxes, Leila, Nasrin, Aria, Cyrus, and Kian.

How many syllables does Syrus have?

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

Is Syrus a common or rare name?

Syrus is an uncommon name, ranked #1724 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Syrus

Syrus is a boy name with Persian, American, and Greek origins . The name means "sun, sunshine" in Old Persian khur .

Syrus is currently ranked #1,724 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Syrus has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

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