Cinderella
Protagonist of the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault
Cinderella is the titular character of the classic French fairy tale first published by Charles Perrault in 1697 in his collection 'Histoires ou Contes du Temps Passé' (Tales of Mother Goose). The story follows a kind-hearted young woman forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters after her father's death. With the magical intervention of her fairy godmother, Cinderella attends a royal ball where she captivates the prince, only to flee at midnight when the spell begins to break. The prince uses a glass slipper left behind to search the kingdom for his beloved, ultimately finding Cinderella and marrying her. The tale has become one of the most culturally significant fairy tales worldwide, spawning countless literary, theatrical, and cinematic adaptations including the 1950 Disney animated film, the 2015 live-action adaptation, and versions from virtually every culture. Cinderella's enduring popularity reflects universal themes of perseverance, kindness rewarded, and transformation, making her an archetypal character in global storytelling traditions.
Fictional Character
French
Histoires ou Contes du Temps Passé (Tales of Mother Goose), 1697
Thinking about the name
Cinderella
French origin
“From the French 'Cendrillon,' literally meaning 'little cinder girl,' this name is one of the world's most iconic fairy-tale names, symbolizing transformation from poverty to royalty. The name carries centuries of literary and cultural weight, evoking magic, resilience, and the triumph of goodness over hardship.”