The name derives from the epithet for the Greek moon goddess, Artemis, signifying a woman who is independent, intuitive, and strong. It is a name with history, gravitas, and a touch of stardust.
Verdict: Cynthia is the perfect choice for parents in 2025 who are seeking a “familiar classic.” It offers the vintage appeal of names like Sylvia and Lydia but remains far less overused. If you want a name that is recognizable, easy to spell, and rich with mythological power, Cynthia is a stellar option.
Cynthia Overview
- Meaning: Moon Goddess.
- Gender: Female.
- Origin: Greek.
- Pronunciation: “SIN-thee-yah”
- Popularity: Fairly popular.
- Nicknames: Cindy, Cyn, Thea.
- Variations: Cynthia, Sinthea, Synthia.
- Namesakes: Cindy Crawford, Cyndi Lauper, Cynthia McFadden.
What Does Cynthia Mean?
The name Cynthia is steeped in ancient beauty, primarily meaning “moon goddess” or “woman from Kynthos.”
Going deeper into the etymology, it serves as an epithet for Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon, the hunt, and the wilderness. The name specifically refers to Mount Cynthus (Kynthos) on the island of Delos, which mythological legend cites as the birthplace of Artemis and her twin brother, Apollo (1).
Therefore, the name does not just mean “moon”; it signifies a connection to the wild, the divine, and the independent spirit of the huntress. Additionally, in some interpretations involving Hindi roots, the name has been associated with “goddess Devi” or a “foe of evil,” further cementing its reputation as a powerful moniker for a girl.
Where Does the Name Cynthia Come From?
The name Cynthia originates directly from Greek mythology. It began as “Kynthia,” a descriptor for Artemis. Because Artemis was born on Mount Cynthus, she was often referred to as “Cynthia” in poetry and literature to highlight her origins.
Artemis was a fiercely independent Olympian. She protected her chastity, roamed the forests with her hunting dogs, and wore a crescent moon crown. Consequently, the name has always been associated with female autonomy, nature, and strength.
While the name is ancient, it saw a massive literary revival during the Renaissance, where poets used “Cynthia” as an allegorical name for Queen Elizabeth I (Greek goddess allusion), praising her as a virgin queen and a figure of radiant power. It later transitioned from a poetic reference to a common given name in the English-speaking world during the 19th and 20th centuries.
How Popular is the Name Cynthia?
Cynthia is what we call a “modern classic” with a rollercoaster history of popularity. It was relatively rare in the early 1900s but began a meteoric rise mid-century.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Cynthia was a powerhouse name, sitting comfortably in the Top 10 lists of the US Social Security Administration. It defined a generation of women, much like “Jennifer” did for the 70s or “Jessica” for the 80s.
In recent decades, the name has cooled off significantly. It is no longer a chart-topper, having moved out of the Top 500. However, this is actually good news for modern parents. It has transitioned from “trendy” to “rare gem.” It is familiar enough that everyone knows how to spell it, yet uncommon enough that your child won’t share the name with three other girls in her kindergarten class (2). It is widely used in Latin and Indian feminine name cultures as well, giving it global versatility.
How Do I Pronounce Cynthia?
The standard American English pronunciation is SIN-thee-yah.
It is generally pronounced with three distinct syllables, though in rapid speech, it can sometimes soften to two syllables (SIN-thya).
Is Cynthia a Boy or Girl Name?
Cynthia is almost exclusively a female name. While history is vast and there may have been isolated uses for boys in the distant past, in modern usage and cultural understanding, it is strictly feminine.
Variations of Cynthia
Because the name has traveled through Greek, Latin, and English history, several variations exist. If you want to honor the name Cynthia but use a different cultural lens, consider these:
- Cinzia: The Italian variation (pronounced CHIN-tsee-ah).
- Cintia: Common in Portuguese, Spanish, and Hungarian.
- Kynthia: The original Greek spelling.
- Sinthia: A modern phonetic spelling.
- Xanthia: While technically a different Greek name meaning “yellow,” it is often associated due to the sound.
Nicknames for Cynthia
One of the best features of this name is its versatility in nicknames. You can go the traditional route or choose something contemporary.
The Classics:
- Cindy: The quintessential mid-century nickname (also Spelled Cyndi).
- Cyn: Short, punchy, and cool.
Creative & Rare Options:
- Thea: A modern, standalone favorite that hides at the end of Cyn-thia (Thea).
- Thia: A softer version of Thea.
- Cia: Pronounced “See-ah,” offering a sleek, European feel.
- Moon: A playful nickname derived strictly from the name’s meaning.
Names Similar to Cynthia
If you love the “vibe” of Cynthia, classic, Greek, and slightly vintage, but aren’t fully sold on the name itself, consider these alternatives:
- Diana: The Roman equivalent of Artemis (the moon goddess). It shares the same regal, celestial energy.
- Sylvia: Shares the soft “syn/syl” beginning and the “ia” ending. It means “of the forest,” matching Cynthia’s nature roots.
- Tabitha: A similar vintage feel with a slightly quirky edge.
- Selena: A more literal translation, meaning “moon” in Greek.
- Phoebe: Another name associated with the moon and Greek mythology, but with a spunky, modern feel.
- Cassandra: A longer, elegant Greek name that offers similarly great nickname potential (Cassandra).
- Cecilia: distinct in meaning, but shares the soft “C” sound and vintage popularity.
Middle Names for Cynthia
Cynthia is a three-syllable name with a soft ending, so it pairs well with a variety of middle names. We have categorized these to help you find your specific style.
Classic & Timeless
These pairings feel regal and traditional.
Short & Modern
One-syllable middle names create a rhythmic punch that balances the longer first name.
Whimsical & Flowery
Lean into the nature-goddess meaning with these botanical choices.
- Cynthia Willow
- Cynthia Daisy
- Cynthia Violet
- Cynthia Fern
- Cynthia Hazel
Sibling Names for Cynthia
Building a sibset around Cynthia requires finding names that are established and familiar, but not necessarily trendy.
For a Brother
You want a name that holds its own against the three-syllable strength of Cynthia.
- Christopher: Matches the length and classic status perfectly.
- Henry: A timeless classic that never goes out of style.
- Julian: Soft yet masculine, mirroring the “n” sounds in Cynthia.
- Oliver: A nature-inspired name that complements the “Mount Cynthus” origin.
- Timothy: distinctively mid-century, making it a perfect era-match.
- Charles: A royal name to match the regal history of Cynthia.
For a Sister
Sister names should ideally share the vintage charm or the Greek roots.
- Jessica: A Shakespearean classic that pairs beautifully.
- Melissa: Another Greek name (meaning “honeybee”) with a similar era of popularity.
- Vanessa: Offers the same feminine ending and literary history.
- Riley: For a more modern contrast, this unisex name balances the femininity of Cynthia.
- Valerie: A strong V-name that sounds melodic with Cynthia.
- Pamela: A sweet vintage pairing.
Famous People Named Cynthia
Cynthia has been borne by incredibly talented women, ranging from Tony Award winners to supermodels.
- Cynthia Erivo: A powerhouse British actress and singer, known for her roles in “The Color Purple” and “Harriet.”
- Cynthia “Cindy” Crawford: One of the original “Big Five” supermodels who defined 90s fashion.
- Cynthia Nixon: An Emmy-winning American actress and activist, famous for her role as Miranda in “Sex and the City.”
- Cynthia “Cyndi” Lauper: The Grammy-winning singer known for “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
- Cynthia Rowley: A prominent American fashion designer.
- Cynthia Rothrock: A legendary martial artist and actress, known as the “Queen of Martial Arts films.”
Cynthia in Pop Culture
The name has had significant representation in media, often representing characters who are polished or memorable.
- Angelica’s Doll: In the 90s cartoon Rugrats, Angelica Pickles’ beloved, bedraggled doll was named Cynthia. It remains an iconic reference for millennials.
- Cynthia (1947): A film starring Elizabeth Taylor in the title role, which helped boost the name’s popularity in the mid-century.
- The Brady Bunch: The youngest daughter, Cindy Brady, is perhaps one of the most famous Cynthias (by nickname) in TV history.
FAQs About the Name Cynthia
Here are the most common questions we receive about this celestial name.
Why Was Queen Elizabeth I Referred to As Cynthia?
People often called Queen Elizabeth I “Cynthia” in reverence to her eternal beauty, like the moon, and her independence, like Artemis (the virgin goddess). It was a poetic way to celebrate her rule as a powerful, unmarried female monarch.
Is Cynthia a Biblical Name?
The name Cynthia is not found in the Bible. However, it is considered a compatible Christian name due to its long history of use in Western culture and its innocuous meaning (Moon/Light).
What Is the Cynthia Flower?
The name is associated with the Krigia biflora, commonly known as the “Two-flowered Cynthia.” It is a yellow wildflower of the aster family, adding a lovely, earthy “secret meaning” to the name for nature lovers.
Why Does Some Poetry Refer to the Moon As Cynthia?
In Elizabethan and Renaissance poetry, writers often personified the moon as “Cynthia.” This was a direct allusion to the goddess Artemis (born on Mount Cynthus) who governed the moon.
Is the Name Cynthia Making a Comeback?
While Cynthia has not yet re-entered the top of the charts like “Olivia” or “Emma,” it is gaining traction among parents looking for “grandmillennial” names, vintage choices that feel fresh again. It fits perfectly with the current trend of reviving names like Thea, Cora, and Sylvia.
