Kirilla

Girl Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/kɪˈrɪ.lə/

Kirilla: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power". It derives from the Greek word "kúrios > Kúrillos > Kýrillos".

Kirilla has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Greek roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Kirilla

Quick facts about Kirilla
OriginGreek
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

kúrios > Kúrillos > Kýrillos

Other Scripts

Russian (Кирилла)

How to Pronounce Kirilla

Kirilla is pronounced /kɪˈrɪ.lə/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Kir-illa
  2. Say it like: "KIR-ILLA"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Kirilla is predominantly used in russian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

russian
Name Relationships

The masculine counterpart to Kirilla is Kirill, sharing the same Greek etymology and core meaning. Both names derive from the same linguistic root.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirilla
What does the name Kirilla mean?
Kirilla means "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School.". The name comes from kúrios > Kúrillos > Kýrillos. In its original form, the name derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος) Kýrillos (Κύριλλος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Kirilla for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Kirilla's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Kirilla?
Kirilla is a greek name. The name traces back to kúrios > Kúrillos > Kýrillos. The original form kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος) Kýrillos (Κύριλλος) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Kirilla is written as Russian (Кирилла). The name remains closely tied to russian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Kirilla a boy or girl name?
Kirilla is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Kirilla has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Kirilla?
Kirilla is pronounced "/kɪˈrɪ.lə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Кирилла), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Kirilla is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Kirilla can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root kúrios > Kúrillos > Kýrillos influences how Kirilla sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Kirilla?
Kirilla is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Kirilla offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Kirilla's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Kirilla holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Kirilla?
Kirilla is related to Kirill (feminine). The feminine version Kirill carries the same essential meaning, adapted to fit naming conventions for girls. In greek tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Kirilla might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In russian, Kirilla may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Kirilla commonly used?
Kirilla is used primarily in russian naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Kirilla found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Kirilla into their naming traditions. A child named Kirilla will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Kirilla is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Kirilla?
Kirilla carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Greek “Kýrillos ‎(Κύριλλος),” which in turn derives from kúrios ‎(κύριος) kúrillos ‎(κύριλλος),” meaning “lord, master, guardian, ruler, owner, governing, having power.” 1) Constantine, better known by the monastic name of Cyril (826/827-869), was the evangelist of Pannonia and Moravia in the 9th century and the inventor of the Glagolitic alphabet. He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church together with his brother Methodius (815/825–885), also a Byzantine evangelist of the Slav peoples. 2) Cyril of Alexandria (~376–444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He was elevated when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. The Cyrillic script is an alphabetic writing system employed across Eastern Europe, North, and Central Asian countries. It’s based on the Early Cyrillic, which was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th-century AD at the Pre-Slavonic Literary School." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Kirilla originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Kirilla sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Kirilla often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In russian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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