Cyrill

Cyrill is a masculine given name, a variant spelling of Cyril used in various European languages. The name derives from the Greek Kyrillos, formed from kyrios meaning “lord,” with a diminutive suffix. The combined meaning is commonly interpreted as “lordly” or “masterful.”

In Christian history, the name is associated with Saint Cyril, traditionally listed alongside Saint Methodius as a missionary who created specialized scripts for Slavic peoples and helped spread literacy. The Cyrillic script, used across much of Eastern Europe and northern Asia, is named in honor of Cyril, reinforcing the name’s historical resonance in Slavic regions.

Usage and variants: Cyrill is a recognized, though less common, spelling relative to Cyril. It appears in some German-speaking and other European contexts as an alternative rendering. Related forms include Cyril (the standard English spelling), Kirill (common in Russian and Bulgarian transliterations), Kyrill, and Kiril. The pronunciation and spelling can vary by language and country, reflecting local orthographic conventions while preserving the same root origin.

Overall, Cyrill sits among a family of closely related names with a shared Greek origin and a notable historical footprint through saints and the Cyrillic writing system. It remains a minority variant in contemporary usage, with Cyril predominating in many English-speaking contexts.