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Cecilia Girl

Popularity: #122 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationsuh-SIL-ee-uh / /səˈsɪliə/

Latin; Italian

Meaning

Latin: blind; Italian: heavenly

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Cecilia has its roots in the Latin name "Caecilia," which is derived from the Roman family name "Caecilius," meaning "blind" or "dim-sighted." This etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "caecus," which carries the same meaning. The name entered the English language through the Old French form "Cecile," which was adopted after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The transition from Latin to Old French and then to Middle English illustrates the linguistic evolution of the name as it spread across Europe.

Cecilia is historically significant due to its association with Saint Cecilia, a Christian martyr believed to have lived in the 2nd or 3rd century. According to tradition, she was a noblewoman in Rome who converted to Christianity and was later martyred for her faith. Her feast day is celebrated on November 22, and she is recognized as the patron saint of musicians, which has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in various cultures. The earliest references to her story can be found in the "Acts of Saint Cecilia," a text that dates back to the 5th century, and her legacy has been further immortalized in art and music throughout the centuries.

The name Cecilia has also resonated culturally as a symbol of purity and devotion, often associated with music and the arts due to the saint's patronage. This connection is reflected in various works of art, including the famous "Cecilia" by the Italian painter Raphael in the early 16th century, and numerous musical compositions dedicated to her, such as the oratorio "Saint Cecilia" by Handel in the 18th century. The name has inspired a range of diminutive forms, such as "Cecily" and "Cece," which have also been used historically, but the name Cecilia itself remains a significant figure in both religious and cultural contexts.

Trend Summary

Cecilia has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Cecily
  • Celia

International Variants

  • Cécile (French)
  • Cecilia (Spanish)
  • Cecilie (Danish)
  • Cecilia (Italian)
  • Cecília (Hungarian)

Famous people named Cecilia

Cecilia Bartoli is a mezzo-soprano best known for her performances in operas and her recordings of Baroque music.

Cecilia Cheung is an actress and singer best known for her roles in Shaolin Soccer, The Lion Roars, and Lost in Time.

Cecilia Imbert is a writer best known for her novels and contributions to contemporary literature.

Cecilia Malmström is a former European Commissioner for Trade best known for her work on international trade agreements.

Fictional characters named Cecilia

Cecilia is a fictional character from the novel and film The Atonement. She is a central figure whose actions and misunderstandings drive the plot's tragic events.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Cecilia was first seen in the United States in 1880. Cecilia has ranked as high as #274 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Cecilia has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Cecilia (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 206
10%
CA 186
9%
NY 136
6%
PA 114
5%
FL 105
5%
IL 101
5%
MA 97
5%
OH 91
4%
NJ 81
4%
GA 65
3%
NC 64
3%
VA 58
3%
WA 54
3%
IN 53
3%
LA 52
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188044
188139
188237
188339
188463
188571
188668
188783
188897
188989
189091
1891121
1892138
1893126
1894144
1895138
1896168
1897160
1898213
1899205
1900249
1901196
1902195
1903218
1904250
1905237
1906219
1907234
1908263
1909257
1910287
1911342
1912453
1913485
1914525
1915723
1916685
1917704
1918755
1919746
1920757
1921761
1922733
1923742
1924768
1925705
1926717
1927654
1928570
1929500
1930567
1931459
1932468
1933431
1934438
1935487
1936507
1937560
1938549
1939562
1940629
1941670
1942831
1943842
1944704
1945656
1946802
1947973
1948955
1949944
1950921
1951954
1952984
19531,038
1954984
19551,004
1956997
19571,057
19581,002
19591,042
19601,036
1961965
19621,055
1963869
1964835
1965733
1966644
1967620
1968550
1969545
1970621
1971599
1972569
1973501
1974539
1975512
1976516
1977520
1978556
1979636
1980654
1981683
1982664
1983640
1984723
1985657
1986686
1987743
1988728
1989810
1990847
1991965
19921,017
1993998
1994969
19951,128
19961,072
1997962
19981,053
19991,103
20001,137
20011,165
20021,171
20031,162
20041,178
20051,189
20061,245
20071,242
20081,259
20091,235
20101,202
20111,317
20121,463
20131,434
20141,640
20151,782
20161,827
20171,815
20181,809
20191,861
20201,859
20212,095
20222,006
20232,057
20242,238