Cecilia Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, Girl Names Like Cecilia

Cecilia Name Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: sah-see-lee-ah, sah-seel-yah
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Cecilia Name Meaning

The original meaning of Cecilia is “blind” but it’s mostly associated with Saint Cecilia. The name Cecilia is often associated with music, grace, and devotion. It’s a name that evokes the feeling of beauty and elegance.

The Origins of Cecilia

The name Cecilia is of Latin origin, and it is derived from the Roman clan name Caecilius, which means “blind.” However, it is often associated with Saint Cecilia, a martyr from the 2nd or 3rd century AD, who is the patron saint of musicians and Church music.

Popularity of the Name Cecilia

Cecilia has been a popular name for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures throughout history. Some of the most famous Cecilias include:

Saint Cecilia, a martyr from the 2nd or 3rd century AD, and the patron saint of musicians and Church music
Cecilia Bartoli, an Italian mezzo-soprano
Cecilia Cheung, a Hong Kong actress and singer
Cecilia Suárez, a Mexican actress

In recent years, the name Cecilia has seen a steady popularity and it’s become a favorite for parents looking for a strong, classic and elegant name that has a historical significance.

Final Thoughts on the Name Cecilia

There are so many amazing people throughout history who have been named Cecilia, which just goes to show how powerful and accomplished the name can be.

In conclusion, Cecilia is a name with a rich history and a beautiful meaning. It has been borne by many notable figures throughout history and has seen a steady popularity in recent years. With its classic, elegant, and historical significance, Cecilia is a name that is sure to be a favorite for parents looking for a strong, classic and elegant name for their little one.

Cecilia Name Popularity

How popular is the name Cecilia? Here’s everything we know.

Year	Rank	# Births	% Births
1910	226	239	0.0679%
1911	212	295	0.0792%
1912	214	401	0.0795%
1913	218	443	0.0781%
1914	237	468	0.0672%
1915	221	676	0.0744%
1916	240	637	0.0659%
1917	237	663	0.0663%
1918	234	710	0.0662%
1919	233	704	0.0672%
1920	238	716	0.0644%
1921	243	711	0.0621%
1922	242	687	0.0617%
1923	238	715	0.0638%
1924	241	726	0.0625%
1925	252	662	0.0586%
1926	248	666	0.0606%
1927	259	618	0.0558%
1928	272	533	0.0498%
1929	301	443	0.0428%
1930	261	528	0.0505%
1931	299	406	0.0411%
1932	293	421	0.0426%
1933	298	385	0.0413%
1934	303	383	0.0396%
1935	275	441	0.0454%
1936	270	465	0.0483%
1937	262	520	0.0528%
1938	269	513	0.0501%
1939	263	524	0.0515%
1940	250	601	0.0565%
1941	247	646	0.0574%
1942	233	804	0.0637%
1943	233	816	0.0625%
1944	256	677	0.0546%
1945	261	631	0.0517%
1946	253	756	0.0512%
1947	239	943	0.0565%
1948	241	926	0.058%
1949	241	921	0.0573%
1950	249	888	0.0552%
1951	247	930	0.0549%
1952	250	957	0.0548%
1953	253	1,004	0.0567%
1954	268	955	0.0522%
1955	268	974	0.053%
1956	272	967	0.0512%
1957	265	1,029	0.0535%
1958	279	983	0.052%
1959	273	1,025	0.0539%
1960	282	1,008	0.0532%
1961	296	934	0.0495%
1962	276	1,031	0.0562%
1963	315	844	0.047%
1964	328	796	0.0452%
1965	334	688	0.0421%
1966	356	608	0.0389%
1967	359	587	0.0387%
1968	398	501	0.0334%
1969	402	517	0.0336%
1970	389	564	0.0354%
1971	384	557	0.0371%
1972	375	529	0.0388%
1973	404	453	0.0349%
1974	394	479	0.0369%
1975	405	457	0.0356%
1976	395	478	0.0371%
1977	406	467	0.0346%
1978	379	515	0.0383%
1979	359	595	0.0422%
1980	366	597	0.0408%
1981	348	633	0.0431%
1982	364	601	0.0402%
1983	360	589	0.0399%
1984	327	670	0.045%
1985	359	613	0.0404%
1986	352	637	0.0422%
1987	332	705	0.0462%
1988	342	691	0.0443%
1989	311	781	0.0484%
1990	327	803	0.0484%
1991	293	925	0.0567%
1992	275	981	0.0615%
1993	283	950	0.0609%
1994	289	925	0.0603%
1995	253	1,089	0.0723%
1996	272	1,036	0.0692%
1997	294	948	0.0641%
1998	286	1,026	0.0686%
1999	286	1,071	0.0715%
2000	284	1,107	0.0725%
2001	269	1,134	0.0753%
2002	269	1,141	0.0761%
2003	271	1,142	0.0751%
2004	284	1,143	0.075%
2005	280	1,161	0.0759%
2006	263	1,221	0.078%
2007	274	1,220	0.0773%
2008	269	1,224	0.0792%
2009	262	1,212	0.0811%
2010	276	1,172	0.0813%
2011	239	1,288	0.0904%
2012	212	1,434	0.1006%
2013	218	1,408	0.0989%
2014	199	1,625	0.1115%
2015	177	1,760	0.121%
2016	173	1,807	0.1253%
2017	163	1,785	0.1279%
2018	150	1,789	0.1302%
2019	149	1,836	0.1356%
2020	150	1,763	0.1385%
2021	133	1,932	0.158%
2022	146	1,979	0.15%

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Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Cecilia

If you like Cecilia, you’ll love these other names like Cecilia.

What names are diminutives of Cecilia?

A diminutive is a name that’s like Cecilia sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Cecilia, but shorter.

Name	Meaning	Origin
Cis	A short diminutive form of Cecilia.
Cissy	A diminutive form of Cecilia.
Sissie	Blind; sixth	Welsh

What names are variants of Cecilia?

Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Cecilia.

Name	Meaning	Origin
Cacelia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceceilia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceceley	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceceli	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecelia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecely	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecelyn	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecette	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceciel	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecil	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecila	Blind; sixth	Welsh

Cecile	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecilea	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecilee	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceciley	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceciliane	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecilie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecilija	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecilla	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecille	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecillia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecily	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecilyann	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceclia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecyl	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cecyle	Blind; sixth	Welsh

Cecylia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cee	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceil	Blind; sixth; heaven	Welsh
Ceila	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceilagh	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceileh	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceileigh	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceilena	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Ceilia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cela	Blind; sixth; the moon; heavenly	Welsh
Cele	Blind; sixth; heaven	Welsh
Celia	Heaven	Latin
Celie	Blind; sixth; heavenly; the moon	Welsh
Celli	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cellie	Blind; sixth	Welsh

Cescelie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cescily	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cesia	Blind; sixth; the moon	Welsh
Cesilie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cesya	Man's defender; blind; sixth; the moon	Welsh
Cicelie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cicely	Blind	English
Cici	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cicilia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cicilie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cicily	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cile	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cili	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cilia
Cilka	Blind; sixth	Welsh

Cilla	Blind; sixth; ancient, venerable	Welsh
Cilly	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Cissie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Kekilia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Kikelia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Kikylia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sacilia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sasilia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sasilie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Secelia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Seelia	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Seelie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Seely	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Selia	Blind; sixth; the moon	Welsh
Sesilia	Blind; sixth	Welsh

Sessaley	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sesseelya	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sessile	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sessilly	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sessily	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sheila	Blind	Latin
Sile	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sileas	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Silke	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Siseel	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sisely	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Siselya	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sisile	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sisiliya	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sissela	Blind; sixth	Welsh

Sissie	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sissy	Short form of Melissa	Latin

What names sound like Cecilia?

If you like how Cecilia sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Cecilia.

Name	Meaning	Origin
Sicili	Blind; sixth	Welsh
Sicilia
Sicillia

What names are similar to Cecilia?

Find a name that’s like Cecilia, but just a little bit different.

Name	Meaning	Origin	Popularity	Other Gender
Silja		Scandinavian
Zelia		Latin

Lists With Cecilia

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Cecilia.

Siblings of Cecilia

Mamas with kids named Cecilia also have kids with these names.

Name	Meaning	Origin	Popularity	Other Gender
Louis	Famous warrior	French

Share Your Thoughts

16 Comments

Idaho Cecilia Sep 26 at 2:47 am

My name is Cecilia, and i love it despite it meaning. Even if some of my friends don’t like it meaning. It’s my grandma name and she is very happy that I have much a pretty nice name.

Reply
Cecilia Aug 14 at 5:43 am

My name is Cecilia, I love the name, it sounds beautiful but I got bullied cos if the meaning
Buh guess wat?
I don’t care
I use the different meanings for different pple
I still love me
My name is beautiful so am I ?

Reply
Margaret Jun 27 at 6:45 am

Cecilia~ It is a family name for both my husbands and my family, so I am used to it and perhaps “seasoned” to it, but I think it sounds so beautifully feminine. We named our daughter this for family members and for a friend who recently passed away, but even besides we both love Saint Cecilia and wanted her patronage for our little girl.

What do I dislike about the name? Only that it seems to be so popular right now! I had wanted to wait some years before we tried using Cecilia but it meant a lot to my husband to use it for our first little baby. <3

Reply
Shelby Petretto Apr 5 at 1:28 pm

My mom is named Cecilia and she’s always been nicknamed Ceilie but she never wanted to be called CeCe

Reply
Lydia Nov 10 at 12:26 pm

We heard our priest give a homily on St. Cecilia on the feast day of the saint, and we were both struck by her story as well as t he simple grace of her name. Almost at the same time we looked as each other and said “We should name our first daughter Cecilia!”
I love that her name means “Lily of Heaven,” but I am not so thrilled with the common nick-name for Cecilia, Cece. But who knows, maybe that nick-name will grow on me!

Reply
Jen Jun 20 at 8:55 am

My grandad’s name was Cecil and I am a musician. Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music and it is written about her that every time she faced fear or death in her life, “she sang to the Lord in her heart.” I let that be the theme of my pregnancy, that anytime I felt fear or anxiety I tried to remember to praise the Lord for this blessing and I hope my daughter takes that into her own life.

Reply
Eseosa AGHEDO Oct 24 at 7:45 am

My friend is Cecilia she is nice, and she likes talking

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Merarys Rios Jan 20 at 8:52 am

My paternal grandmothers name.

Reply
Christina Sep 11 at 8:53 am

I named my daughter Cecilia after my patron saint I was confirmed with. She is the patron saint of music and I wanted to share that love for God with her by choosing this beautiful name for her.

Reply
Kaitlyn Sep 14 at 3:25 am

I named my daughter Cecilia after the patron saint of music and singers, St. Cecilia. I’ve loved the name since I used that saint as my confirmation saint for confirmation, I’m Catholic, in the 8th grade. I’ve wanted it to be a girl’s name for as long as I can remember. We affectionately call her Cece for short.

Reply
Kara Aug 24 at 9:33 am

I like old fashion unique names. It was on my list of names and my husband approved it. It is a classic name and my husbands family who only speak Spanish can say it. Her middle name is Jasmin

Reply
Brittany Aug 17 at 10:22 am

Cecilia Raye is named after her great grandfather’s.
My grandfather Cecil passed away last year and we were very close, my grandfather Raymond is still thankfully with us.
Raye is also a variation of my stepfather who has been a dad and is a awesome papa, middle name. As well as being the name of my husbands late grandfather. So our daughter has a very special name. ?

Reply
- Brittany Jun 2 at 3:21 pm
  
  I saw your post and had to reply, my husband and I found out we were having a girl and Cecilia has always been one of my favorite girl names. What made me reply to your post, I decided a couple weeks ago that we were gonna give her the middle name Ray after my grandfather and uncle Raymond. I was never stuck on the spelling I wanted to keep the Y so thank you for the idea of Raye!! My eyes popped out when I saw your post!
  
  Reply
Mama Otilia Jun 20 at 1:27 pm

I chose the name Cecilia because it is a mix of our names, mine Otilia and my husband’s Cesare.

Reply
Maria Jun 11 at 8:40 pm

St. Cecilia

Reply
Otilia Apr 13 at 10:15 pm

Hello, moms all over the world! I chose the name Cecilia, because it is a mix of both of our names: Cesare (my husband) + Otilia (me) = Cecilia.

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Cecilia