Sincere
sihn-SIHR
Sincere derives from the Latin sincerus meaning “whole,” “pure,” or “genuine.” A popular folk etymology traces it to sine cera (“without wax”)—the practice of using wax to fill cracks in inferior marble—though this derivation is disputed by scholars.
As an English adjective meaning honest and genuine, the word has been used since the 16th century. Its transition to a given name is a 21st-century American development, primarily within African American naming culture.
Sincere peaked at No. 544 in 2022 with 545 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 604 with 471 births, declining from its recent high.
What the name Sincere means
The name belongs to a category of aspirational word names—Loyal, Noble, King, Justice, Legend—that have found favour in African American naming tradition as expressions of values and character aspirations.
Three syllables—sin-SEER—carry a natural English stress. The name is immediately understood by any English speaker, which gives it a transparency most given names lack.
Parents choosing Sincere want to encode a specific character trait—authenticity and honesty—directly into their child’s name. The meaning is the entire point of the choice.
As word names go, Sincere is among the most positive and unambiguous. Unlike some word names that carry negative connotations, sincerity is universally admired across cultures.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Sincere
Sincere - similar names
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