What does Cecil mean and where does it come from?
Cecil is of Latin origin and is derived from the Roman family name 'Caecilius,' which means 'blind.' While primarily used as a male name historically, it has also been adopted for females. One notable bearer of the name is actress Cecil Beaton, who was also an acclaimed photographer and designer. Th
Cultural significance
Cecil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #241 in 1897 — currently #1528 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cecil?
Cecil works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cecil Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cecil Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cecil Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cecil Claire
French influence · crisp
Cecil Jane
Literary · strong
Cecil Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cecil right now?
Rising — up 30 spots — currently #1528 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1528 | 115 | ▲ up 30 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #1558 | 114 | ▼ down 20 |
| 2021 | #1538 | 114 | ▲ up 14855 · +2180% births |
| 2015 | #16393 | 5 | ▼ down 3004 |
| 1995 | #13389 | 5 | ▼ down 430 |
| 1990 | #12959 | 5 | ▼ down 4635 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #8324 | 7 | ▼ down 2780 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #5544 | 12 | ▲ up 3530 · +140% births |
| 1975 | #9074 | 5 | ▼ down 2705 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #6369 | 7 | ▼ down 2159 · -30% births |
| 1965 | #4210 | 10 | ▼ down 1387 · -47% births |
| 1960 | #2823 | 19 | ▼ down 1129 · -49% births |
| 1955 | #1694 | 37 | ▼ down 168 |
| 1950 | #1526 | 37 | ▼ down 403 · -24% births |
| 1945 | #1123 | 49 | — |
The story of Cecil
Cecil has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 114,067 babies have been named Cecil since 1880. Once ranked #453 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1528 in 2023. Cecil is used for both genders: 7% female and 93% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cecil in 1897:
Cecil by decade
Cecil peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,000 | |
| 1890s | 2,769 | |
| 1900s | 4,792 | |
| 1910s | 17,798 | |
| 1920s ★ | 24,003 | |
| 1930s | 17,252 | |
| 1940s | 15,393 | |
| 1950s | 12,283 | |
| 1960s | 7,556 | |
| 1970s | 4,255 | |
| 1980s | 3,021 | |
| 1990s | 1,726 | |
| 2000s | 1,113 | |
| 2010s | 1,012 | |
| 2020s | 94 | |
What are good nicknames for Cecil?
What names sound and feel like Cecil?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cecil also consider these
How is Cecil written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Cecil
What does the name Cecil mean?
Cecil means "Latin" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cecil?
Cecil is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Cecil have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Cecil?
Cecil originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cecil?
Cecil is a two-syllable name pronounced S IY1 S AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cecil trending right now?
Cecil is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.