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Cecelia

♀ Girl

Pronounced sih-SEEL-yah /sɪˈsiːl.jə/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Cecilia, from the Latin family name Caecilius, derived from caecus meaning 'blind'; traditionally the name of a 2nd-century martyr and patron saint of musicHigh

In 30 seconds: Cecelia is the softly romantic variant of Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Four lyrical syllables, a Simon and Garfunkel song, and centuries of saintly heritage make it irresistible.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningVariant spelling of Cecilia, from the Latin family name Caecilius, derived from caecus meaning 'blind'; traditionally the name of a 2nd-century martyr and patron saint of music
U.S. rank (2025)#529 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births569 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 60,517

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191818802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Cecelia is an alternate spelling of Cecilia, from the Latin gens name Caecilius, rooted in caecus ('blind'). The name was borne by a young Roman noblewoman who converted her husband and brother-in-law to Christianity before her martyrdom, and who was later canonized as Saint Cecilia, patron of music and musicians. The name spread throughout medieval Christendom via her cult.

Cecelia and Cecilia have co-existed as spelling variants for centuries, with Cecilia historically the more formal ecclesiastical spelling and Cecelia the softer, more anglicized form. In the United States, Cecelia reached peak usage in the early 20th century, then revived sharply in the 21st century. Simon and Garfunkel's 1970 hit 'Cecilia' kept the name alive in popular consciousness and gave it an upbeat, joyful connotation that counterbalances its etymological meaning.

Did you know? Saint Cecilia, martyred in Rome around the 2nd or 3rd century, became the patron saint of music because a Latin text described her singing to God in her heart on her wedding day — giving Cecelia a musical soul that Simon and Garfunkel made famous in 1970.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Cecilia — etymology and saintly historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CeciliaCeliaCecileSicilia

Nicknames

CeceCeeCeliaCeci

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Cecilia (c. 200–c. 230)
    Roman virgin martyr and patron saint of music, one of the most venerated saints of the early Church.
  • ★Cecelia Ahern (1981–present)
    Irish author of PS, I Love You and numerous bestselling novels.

If you like Cecelia…

Cecilia— the classical Latin spelling of the same name with identical meaning and heritage
Celia— the short form of the same root name, elegant and standalone
Cordelia— shares the four-syllable Latin elegance and romantic feminine feel
Amelia— four-syllable classic girls' name with the same lyrical, vintage-revival energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cecelia mean?

Cecelia comes from Latin caecus meaning 'blind,' via the Roman family name Caecilius. It is famous as the name of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music.

How do you pronounce Cecelia?

It is said sih-SEEL-yah /sɪˈsiːl.jə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Cecelia a boy or girl name?

Cecelia is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Cecelia?

Cecelia has been rising steadily in the U.S. in the 21st century, currently ranking in the top 300, benefiting from the broader revival of vintage musical names.