Celia

♀ Girl

Pronounced SEE-lee-uh /ˈsiː.li.ə/High

Meaning: Heaven or sky; a feminine form derived from the Roman family name Caelius, from the Latin caelum meaning heaven or skyHigh

In 30 seconds: Celia is a Roman family name meaning heaven or sky, worn by Shakespeare's spirited heroine in As You Like It and given new salsa-charged life by the Queen of Salsa, Cuban singer Celia Cruz.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningHeaven or sky; a feminine form derived from the Roman family name Caelius, from the Latin caelum meaning heaven or sky

U.S. rank (2025)#774 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births351 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1915

Total births (all-time)≈ 56,640

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Celia derives from the Roman family name Caelius, from Latin caelum meaning sky or heaven. It was used as a poetic feminine given name in classical Roman literature, and Shakespeare used it for the loyal friend of Rosalind in As You Like It, written around 1599.

Celia enjoyed aristocratic usage in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, then became more widely used in the 19th and 20th centuries. Cuban singer Celia Cruz made the name internationally famous. In the United States it has maintained steady popularity, appealing to parents who appreciate its classical roots and literary pedigree.

Did you know? Celia Cruz (1925-2003) was known as the Queen of Salsa and recorded over 70 albums during her career. Her signature exclamation Azucar (Sugar!) became one of the most recognizable catchphrases in Latin music history.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Celia — Latin etymology and usage historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CeciliaCelaSelia

Nicknames

CelCeeCee

Famous Bearers

★Celia Cruz (1925–2003)
Cuban-American singer known as the Queen of Salsa, one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century with over 70 albums.

If you like Celia…

Cecilia— the extended form with the same Latin root and musical associations

Selena— shares the celestial three-syllable elegance and Latin heritage

Aurelia— same golden Roman feminine name with three-syllable flowing beauty

Emilia— fellow three-syllable Latin -ia name with Shakespearean literary roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Celia mean?

Celia most likely means heaven or sky, from the Latin caelum through the Roman family name Caelius.

How do you pronounce Celia?

It is said SEE-lee-uh, three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Celia a popular name?

Celia maintains steady popularity in the United States, appreciated for its classical Latin roots and literary history.

Is Celia the same as Cecilia?

Celia and Cecilia share the same Latin root but are distinct names; Cecilia is the longer form with its own saint's tradition.