Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Convict, Criminal, Land & Wills
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalogue
      Loading
      • StoryScout
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Cookies
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Cersei

      Origin

      Greek mythology, ancient Greece.

      Meaning

      Cersei means "to rise" or "to be lifted."

      Variations

      Cerina, Cerise, Cesere
      The name Cersei has its origins rooted in ancient Greek mythology and literature. It is derived from "Kirkē" (Κίρκη), a character in Homer's epic poem "Odyssey." In the tale, Circe is depicted as a powerful sorceress who lives on the island of Aiaia. She is known for her ability to transform men into animals and for her enchanting beauty. The name itself is often interpreted to mean "enchanter" or "siren," reflecting the mystical and alluring qualities associated with the character of Circe. Over time, variations of this name have emerged in different cultures, but the direct usage of "Cersei" is relatively modern.

      Culturally, the name Cersei has gained significant prominence in contemporary times, particularly due to its association with the character Cersei Lannister from the popular fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin, which was later adapted into the HBO television series "Game of Thrones." The character is portrayed as a complex antagonist, characterized by her ambition, cunning, and ruthless pursuit of power. Through this modern interpretation, the name has come to symbolize traits such as ambition, manipulation, and the darker aspects of human nature, capturing the fascination of audiences worldwide.

      Historically, the name Cersei was not widely used before the 21st century and was not associated with any notable historical figures prior to its popularization in modern literature. The character's influence in "Game of Thrones" has led to a resurgence in the name's usage, particularly among fans of the series. This has resulted in Cersei being viewed not only as a fictional character but also as a cultural icon, representing the complexities of female characters in contemporary media. The portrayal of Cersei Lannister has sparked discussions about gender roles, power dynamics, and morality in both fiction and real-life contexts.

      The name Cersei has also been noted for its phonetic appeal, featuring a melodic quality that resonates with many. It has become more popular as a given name in various regions, particularly in English-speaking countries, although it remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional names. Its uniqueness and association with a strong character contribute to its allure for new parents seeking distinctive names for their children.

      In terms of notable people, there have been few individuals historically recognized by the name Cersei prior to the 21st century. However, the character of Cersei Lannister has undoubtedly brought the name into the spotlight, leading to its association with the themes of ambition, betrayal, and power struggles. The character has become emblematic of the strong yet flawed female archetype, inspiring discussions about the representation of women in literature and media.

      Overall, the name Cersei embodies a blend of ancient mythological roots and modern cultural significance. Its connection to themes of enchantment, power, and complexity has allowed it to resonate with a contemporary audience. As the name continues to be used and recognized, it will likely evolve in its connotations and significance, reflecting the ongoing discourse surrounding gender, power, and morality in storytelling.

      Based on our records...

      Lannister

      This is the most common surname associated with Cersei.

      Robert

      This is the most common name of those married to a Cersei.

      Joffrey

      This is the most common name for a child of a Cersei.

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1980 is when there were the most people born with the first name Cersei.

      Explore the origins of another name.