Cynthia, a name resonating with classical elegance, continues to capture hearts. But how popular is the name Cynthia, and what lies behind its enduring appeal? Let’s delve into the history, popularity trends, and alternative names associated with Cynthia.
(Image of Cynthia – Retained)
Cynthia Name Popularity
How popular is the name Cynthia? Here’s what we know about this classic name’s trajectory over the years. The data reveals a fascinating story of a name that has experienced periods of both quiet presence and explosive popularity.
Historical Trends
The provided table from SSA.gov gives us a clear picture of Cynthia‘s popularity from 1910 to 2023.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 463 | 41 | 0.0116% |
| 1911 | 466 | 41 | 0.011% |
| 1912 | 366 | 118 | 0.0234% |
| … | … | … | … |
| 1946 | 46 | 6,889 | 0.4669% |
| 1947 | 33 | 10,530 | 0.6308% |
| 1948 | 27 | 12,241 | 0.7668% |
| 1949 | 27 | 12,897 | 0.8017% |
| 1950 | 23 | 14,446 | 0.8972% |
| 1951 | 20 | 16,296 | 0.9611% |
| 1952 | 18 | 19,886 | 1.1392% |
| 1953 | 12 | 25,133 | 1.4201% |
| 1954 | 10 | 27,617 | 1.5108% |
| 1955 | 11 | 27,185 | 1.4779% |
| 1956 | 8 | 32,341 | 1.7123% |
| 1957 | 7 | 39,321 | 2.0434% |
| 1958 | 8 | 31,003 | 1.6404% |
| 1959 | 8 | 30,169 | 1.5879% |
| 1960 | 9 | 26,725 | 1.4105% |
| 1961 | 8 | 24,377 | 1.2912% |
| 1962 | 8 | 24,023 | 1.3085% |
| 1963 | 10 | 21,594 | 1.203% |
| 1964 | 9 | 20,323 | 1.1546% |
| 1965 | 9 | 19,249 | 1.1771% |
| 1966 | 11 | 17,414 | 1.1153% |
| 1967 | 18 | 15,337 | 1.0106% |
| … | … | … | … |
| 2020 | 868 | 257 | 0.0202% |
| 2021 | 826 | 270 | 0.0221% |
| 2022 | 875 | 268 | 0.0203% |
| 2023 | 872 | 257 | 0.0199% |
The data reveals a significant surge in popularity from the mid-1940s to the 1970s, peaking in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Cynthia reached its highest rank of 7th in 1957, with a remarkable 39,321 births and 2.0434% of all female births that year. Since then, the name’s popularity has gradually declined, though it remains in use.
The Meaning and Origins of Cynthia
The name Cynthia has strong ties to Greek mythology. It originates from Mount Kynthos on the island of Delos, the birthplace of the Greek goddess Artemis. Artemis, the goddess of the moon, hunting, wild animals, the wilderness, childbirth, and protector of young girls, was often referred to as Cynthia. Therefore, the name Cynthia carries the meaning "from Mount Kynthos" and is often associated with the moon and the qualities attributed to Artemis: independence, strength, and connection to nature.
Factors Influencing Popularity
Several factors likely contributed to Cynthia’s rise and fall in popularity. Trends in baby names are often influenced by celebrities, literary characters, and societal shifts. The name’s classical origins and elegant sound may have appealed to parents during the mid-20th century. The waning popularity could be due to evolving naming trends and a desire for more unique or modern names.
Names Like Cynthia
If you appreciate the sound and style of Cynthia, you might also like these related names:
Variants of Cynthia
- Cinda
- Cindee
- Cindi
- Cindie
- Cindy
- Cinnie
- Cinny
- Cinthia
- Cintia
- Cinzia
- Cyn
- Cynda
- Cyndee
- Cyndia
- Cyndie
- Cyndra
- Cyndy
- Cynnie
- Cynthea
- Cynthie
- Cynthya
- Cyntia
- Cytia
- Kynthia
- Kynthija
- Sindee
- Sindi
- Sindy
- Sindya
- Sinnie
- Sinny
- Synda
- Syndee
- Syndi
- Syndy
- Syntha
- Synthee
- Syntheea
- Synthia
- Synthie
- Synthya
Names That Sound Like Cynthia
- Cintha
- Cinthie
- Xanthia
Similar Names
- Selena
- Sintra
Conclusion
Cynthia is a name steeped in history and mythology. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the decades, but its inherent beauty and classic appeal remain. Whether you are drawn to its Greek origins, its connection to the moon goddess Artemis, or simply its elegant sound, Cynthia is a name with a rich story and enduring charm.
