Cyrus Overview
- Meaning: Cyrus means “young,” “lord,” or “humiliator” in Persian and Greek.
- Gender: Cyrus is a male name.
- Origin: Cyrus is Greek, from Persian roots. Some have suggested it comes from a Persian root meaning “sun,” but scholars do not widely accept this.
- Pronunciation: Cyrus is pronounced “SEYE-rus” in English, “TSIH-roos” in Polish, and “KYIH-roos” in Latin and Greek.
- Popularity: Cyrus is pretty popular worldwide, especially in the U.S.
- Nicknames: Cy, Rus, Rusty
- Variations: Ciro, Kirús, Koresh, Kourosh, Kurosh, Kurush, Kyros.
- Namesakes: Cyrus the Great (Cyrus II), Persian king and conqueror.
What Does Cyrus Mean?
The name Cyrus may mean “young” or possibly “sun” in Persian. It could also mean “humiliator (of the enemy)” or “lord” in Greek.
What Is the Origin of the Name Cyrus?
The name Cyrus originates from Greek and Persian.
Cyrus stems from the Greek Kyros, often associated with “kyrios” (lord), possibly from a Persian root meaning “throne.”
However, Cyrus or Kyros ultimately originates from the ancient Persian Kuruš (young/humiliator). Although not as widely accepted by scholars, some suggest that Cyrus may be traced back to “kuros,” the Old Persian word for “sun.”
How Popular Is the Name Cyrus?
Cyrus is the 13,644th most common name worldwide. It peaked on the U.S. charts in 2022 at 326th, making it a popular choice.
How Do I Pronounce Cyrus?
Cyrus is pronounced “SEYE-rus” in English and “TSIH-roos” in Polish. The Greco-Roman pronunciation is “KYIH-roos.”
Is Cyrus a Boy or Girl Name?
Cyrus is traditionally a male name.
Variations of Cyrus
If you like Cyrus, there are many name variations to choose from worldwide. Here are the most common variants to consider:
- Ciro (Italian, Portuguese, Spanish)
- Kirús (Russian)
- Koresh (Biblical Hebrew)
- Kourosh (Persian)
- Kurosh (Persian)
- Kurush (Old Persian)
- Kyros (Biblical Greek)
Nicknames for Cyrus
If you’re considering Cyrus for your little lord, here are three great nicknames for you:
- Cy (“SEYE”)
- Rus
- Rusty
Similar Names to Cyrus
Check out this short list if you’re looking for names similar to Cyrus in their meaning, sound, or origin:
- Adonai
- Apollo
- Arun
- Caius
- Cyrano
- Cyril
- Darius
- Helios
- Kurios
- Myron
- Osiris
- Samson
- Silas
- Sirius
- Tyus
Middle Names for Cyrus
Have you decided Cyrus is the perfect fit? We’ve collected some of the top middle names for Cyrus:
- Alexander
- Benedict
- Benjamin
- Grant
- Javier
- Jude
- Matteo
- Scott
- Sebastian
- Sylvester
- Thaddeus
Sibling Names for Cyrus
If your son’s name is Cyrus and you’re looking for harmonious sibling names, there are plenty of names that pair well with this charming name:
Sibling names for a brother:
- Caspar
- Cosmo
- Linus
- Maximus
- Orion
- Silas
Sibling names for a sister:
- Celia
- Clementine
- Diana
- Lyra
- Phoebe
- Sibyl
Unisex sibling names:
- Casey
- Kai
Famous People Named Cyrus
Cyrus has been associated with several famous people over the centuries. Here is a brief list of some of the most prominent people named Cyrus:
- Cyrus Baldridge: American artist, author, and adventurer.
- Cyrus Chothia: British scientist.
- Cyrus Dallin: American sculptor known for depicting Native Americans.
- Cyrus Pallonji Mistry: Irish-Indian businessman and Chairman of the Tata Group.
- Cyrus Sylvester Frederick Christie: English professional football player.
- Cyrus the Great: 5th-century Persian king.
- Cyrus Townsend Brady: American journalist, historian, and fiction writer.
- St. Cyrus: Alexandrian doctor and Christian martyr.
Cyrus in Popular Culture
Characters named Cyrus in popular culture include:
- Cyrus: Character from the novel and manga series “The Saga of Darren Shan.”
- Cyrus: Non-player character in the Genshin Impact video game.
- Cyrus “Lupes” Lupo: Character in “Law & Order.”
- Cyrus Simpson: Character in “The Simpsons” TV series, who appears in the “Simpsons Christmas Stories.”
Cyrus FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the name Cyrus:
What Is the Biblical Meaning of the Name Cyrus?
The Biblical meaning of Cyrus stems from the Greek translation used in the Septuagint. Thus, it likely means “lord,” “humiliator (of the enemy),” or “young.”
However, Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon and founded the Persian Empire, is significant in the Bible. It was prophesied that Cyrus, appointed by God, would overthrow Babylon and release the exiled Jews there.
By virtue of this role, Cyrus was called God’s “anointed one,” from the Greek word “khristos” (christ), from the Hebrew “mashi’ach” (messiah). This also distinguished him from his grandfather, Cyrus I.
Is Cyrus a Good Name?
Many worldwide consider Cyrus a good name due to its popularity and timelessness.
