The nameCecilia
Cecilia is a girl's name of Latin origin, from the Roman family name Caecilius. The name of the patron saint of music, it is elegant and timeless.
- Girl's name
- Latin
- Feast day
Meaning
Cecilia comes from the Roman family name Caecilius, traditionally linked to caecus, "blind".
Origin
Latin. Saint Cecilia, a Roman martyr, is the patron saint of musicians, celebrated on 22 November.
History
Simon and Garfunkel's song Cecilia (1970) gave it a new audience. It is in the American top 130. Cecily and Cécile are related forms.
Famous people named Cecilia
- Saint Cecilia
- Cecilia Bartoli, mezzo-soprano
- Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, astronomer
Popularity of the name Cecilia
Cecilia in the United States
Cecilia was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 16,150 births over the decade, 15% of all recorded babies named Cecilia. Its rise began around 1900, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Cecilia in the United States were born before 1981, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 2,051 births a year.
Cecilia in the United Kingdom
Cecilia was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 1,147 births over the decade, 46% of all recorded babies named Cecilia. Half of all babies named Cecilia in the United Kingdom were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 207 births a year on average, against 96 in the five years before.
Cecilia in France
Cecilia in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Cecilia
Names from the same generation as Cecilia, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Cecilia? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Cecilia with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Cecilia side by side with the name of your choice.
Cecilia in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cecilia mean?
Cecilia comes from the Roman family name Caecilius, traditionally linked to caecus, "blind".
What is the origin of the name Cecilia?
Latin. Saint Cecilia, a Roman martyr, is the patron saint of musicians, celebrated on 22 November.
Is Cecilia a girl's or a boy's name?
Cecilia is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Cecilia?
In 2024, Cecilia was the 123rd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 2,238 births.
What are the variants of the name Cecilia?
Variants and related names of Cecilia include Cécile and Celia.
What are good sibling names for Cecilia?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Georgia, Regina, Vivian and Rose for a sister, Emilio, Felix, Francis and Lorenzo for a brother.
Who are famous people named Cecilia?
Saint Cecilia; Cecilia Bartoli, mezzo-soprano; Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, astronomer.