Kyril is a name of Slavic origin, specifically from the Russian language. It is derived from the Greek word "Kyrios", which means "lord" or "master". In Russian, Kyril is used as a given name and also has been adopted in other Slavic countries such as Bulgaria and Ukraine.
The name Kyril has been used for centuries among the Eastern Orthodox Church clergy. One of the most notable historical figures with this name is Saint Cyril (826-869), who was a Byzantine missionary and one of the most influential figures in the history of Eastern Europe. Alongside his brother Methodius, he introduced Christianity to the Slavs and created the Glagolitic script, which became the basis for the Cyrillic alphabet still used today by many Slavic languages.
In Russia, Kyril was a popular name among the aristocracy during the imperial period (1721-1917). It was also favored by some members of the Romanov dynasty. However, its use declined after the Russian Revolution in 1917 and it became less common as a given name.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the name Kyril among Russians, likely due to its historical significance and associations with prominent figures like Saint Cyril. Despite its traditional roots, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other Slavic names such as Alexander or Dmitri.
Overall, Kyril is an ancient yet timeless name with a rich history and significant cultural impact, particularly within Eastern Orthodox traditions and Slavic cultures. Its meaning as "lord" or "master" adds to its regal and authoritative appeal.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Kyril has seen varied popularity over time in the United States. In the early 1990s, there was a steady increase in newborn girls named Kyril, with five births recorded in 1992 and six in 1993. However, after peaking at seven births in 2012, the number of newborn girls named Kyril decreased to five in both 2017 and 2022.
Overall, over this period, there were a total of 28 births for girls named Kyril in the United States. While it may not be one of the most popular names, its usage has fluctuated slightly over time. It's fascinating to observe these trends in naming patterns across different decades.