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Cecilia

♀ Girl

Pronounced seh-SEE-lee-uh /səˈsiː.li.ə/High

Meaning: Feminine form of the Roman family name <em>Caecilius</em>, derived from Latin <em>caecus</em> meaning 'blind'High

In 30 seconds: A luminous Latin name from the Roman family name Caecilius, meaning 'blind' — yet forever associated with music through its patron saint. Cecilia is an effortlessly elegant four-syllable name making a confident comeback.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFeminine form of the Roman family name <em>Caecilius</em>, derived from Latin <em>caecus</em> meaning 'blind'
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 95,015

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201618802017

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

History & Origin

Cecilia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Caecilius, from the Latin caecus meaning 'blind.' The Caecilii were a prominent Roman plebeian gens. Despite its literal meaning, the name gained an overwhelmingly positive association through Saint Cecilia, a 2nd- or 3rd-century Roman martyr who became the patron of musicians.

Saint Cecilia's feast day (November 22) has been celebrated since at least the 5th century. The name was common throughout medieval Europe. In the English-speaking world, the Simon & Garfunkel song 'Cecilia' (1970) gave it a breezy pop-culture presence. Cecilia has been climbing back up U.S. charts since 2010 as parents rediscover elegant classics.

Did you know? Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians. According to legend, she sang to God in her heart on her wedding day — a tradition that led her to be depicted playing the organ in Renaissance paintings.

Variations

CeliaCicelyCecilyCesilia

Nicknames

CeceCeilCeciLia

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Cecilia (2nd–3rd century)
    Roman martyr and patron saint of music and musicians.

If you like Cecilia…

Lucia— similarly luminous Latin name with a shared Italian feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cecilia mean?

Cecilia is the feminine form of the Roman name <em>Caecilius</em>, from Latin <em>caecus</em> meaning 'blind,' though the name is overwhelmingly associated with music through its saintly patron.

How do you pronounce Cecilia?

Cecilia is pronounced seh-SEE-lee-uh /səˈsiː.li.ə/ — four syllables with stress on the second.

Is Cecilia a boy or girl name?

Cecilia is a feminine name. The masculine form is Cecil or Caecilius.

How popular is Cecilia?

Cecilia has been climbing U.S. charts since 2010 as part of the vintage-revival trend and now ranks in the top 150 girls' names.