Cynthia is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word 'kynthos', which means 'from Mount Kynthos'. This name has been used since ancient times and was the name of a nymph in Greek mythology who accompanied Artemis on her hunts. The name Cynthia gained popularity during the Renaissance period due to the works of poets like Virgil, who used it in his poems. It is often associated with the moon, as Cynthia is also another name for the goddess Artemis, who was known as the 'Queen of the Night' or the 'Lady of the Moon'. In literature, the name Cynthia has been popularized by notable authors such as John Milton and William Shakespeare.
The name Cynthia experienced moderate popularity during these years, with a brief spike in 1960 and again in 1962, totalling 16 births over the period from 1953 to 1962.