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Home › Baby Names Directory › Scylla

Scylla

♀ Girl

Pronounced SIL-uh /ˈsɪl.ə/Medium

Meaning: In Greek myth Scylla (Skylla) is the six-headed monster of the strait, paired with the whirlpool Charybdis; the name is often connected to skyllo, 'to rend; to tear.' In some tellings she was a beautiful nymph transformed by a rival's poison — a story of harm done to her, which we note honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: A name straight from Greek myth: Scylla was the sea monster of the strait (said 'SIL-uh'). We note the story honestly.
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Origin MediumGreek
MeaningIn Greek myth Scylla (Skylla) is the six-headed monster of the strait, paired with the whirlpool Charybdis; the name is often connected to skyllo, 'to rend; to tear.' In some tellings she was a beautiful nymph transformed by a rival's poison — a story of harm done to her, which we note honestly.
U.S. rank (2024)#13195 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 33

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202220172024

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

Scylla comes from Greek Skylla, the many-headed creature who snatched sailors from passing ships in the narrow strait opposite the whirlpool Charybdis; Homer sends Odysseus between the two. The name is often linked to skyllo, 'to rend.' Ovid tells an earlier chapter: Scylla was a nymph, poisoned into monstrous shape by the jealous Circe — a story in which she is the one wronged. Families choosing the name should know its mythic weight, which we note honestly (said 'SIL-uh').

In the U.S. it is extremely rare. Rare, mythic, and striking.

Did you know? 'Between Scylla and Charybdis' is the ancient version of a rock and a hard place — the monster on one shore, the whirlpool on the other, and no safe channel between.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Scylla — Greek Skylla; Homer's Odyssey; Ovid's Metamorphoses; monster association noted

Variations

SkyllaScillaSylla

Nicknames

SkyCillaScy

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Scylla…

Circe— the enchantress in her story
Calypso— a like figure from the Odyssey
Cassandra— another Greek mythic name in use
Priscilla— a similar -illa sound in familiar use

Explore names like Scylla

By themegreekraremythologystriking

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Scylla mean?

Scylla is the name of a Greek sea monster, often linked to skyllo, 'to rend.' In Ovid she was a nymph transformed against her will.

How do you pronounce Scylla?

It's said SIL-uh /ˈsɪl.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Scylla a boy or girl name?

Scylla is a girl's name.

How popular is Scylla?

Scylla is extremely rare in the U.S.

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