Cyril

♂ Boy

Pronounced SIR-il /ˈsɪr.ɪl/High

Meaning: Lord; masterHigh

In 30 seconds: Cyril is a distinguished Greek name meaning 'lord' or 'master,' borne by the 9th-century saint who created the Glagolitic script that led to the Cyrillic alphabet.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighGreek

MeaningLord; master

U.S. rank (2025)#3143 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1916

Total births (all-time)≈ 12,031

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cyril derives from Greek Kyrillos, itself from kyrios (lord, master). Saint Cyril (826–869 AD), a Byzantine scholar, worked with his brother Methodius to create a writing system for Slavic peoples.

The name spread widely through Eastern Orthodox Christianity and later gained use in Western Europe. In England it was recorded from the medieval period and enjoyed a modest revival in the Victorian era. Cyril Connolly, the British critic and writer, brought literary distinction to the name in the 20th century.

Did you know? The Cyrillic alphabet — used today by over 250 million people across Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and other nations — is named directly for Saint Cyril, giving this name a unique linguistic legacy.

Overall data confidence 92%

Oxford Dictionary of First Names — Kyrillos from kyrios, lordEncyclopaedia Britannica — Saint Cyril and the alphabet

Variations

CyrilleKyrilKirillCirillo

Nicknames

CyCyr

Famous Bearers

★Saint Cyril (826–869)
Byzantine Christian theologian and missionary who, with his brother Methodius, devised the Glagolitic alphabet; the later Cyrillic script is named in his honor
★Cyril Connolly (1903–1974)
English literary critic and writer best known for his 1938 work 'Enemies of Promise'

If you like Cyril…

Cyrus— shares Cy- opening and Greek roots

Cornelius— classic multi-syllable Latin/Greek name with saint associations

Clarence— vintage English name of comparable formal character

Bastian— shares Cyril's Greek roots

Cedar— a fellow Greek choice

Explore names like Cyril

By themegreek classic literary historical orthodox

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cyril mean?

Cyril means 'lord' or 'master,' from Greek kyrios. It is most famous as the name of the 9th-century saint who inspired the Cyrillic alphabet.

How do you pronounce Cyril?

Cyril is pronounced SIR-il, with stress on the first syllable.

Is Cyril a boy or girl name?

Cyril is a traditional boy's name with no significant use for girls.

How popular is Cyril?

Cyril is uncommon in English-speaking countries today but remains well used in France, Eastern Europe, and among Orthodox Christian communities.