What does Cecile mean and where does it come from?
Cecile is derived from the Latin name 'Caecilius', meaning 'blind'. It is commonly associated with Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, which has bolstered its use in Christian circles. The French form, 'Cécile', is particularly popular in France and French-speaking regions. The name has hi
Cultural significance
Cecile has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of blind.
Peak popularity
Reached #222 in 1898 — currently #5592 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cecile?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cecile?
Cecile works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cecile Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cecile Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Cecile Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Cecile Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Cecile Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Cecile Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Cecile right now?
Rising fast — up 67 spots — currently #5592 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5592 | 22 | ▲ up 67 |
| 2024 | #5659 | 22 | ▼ down 4729 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #930 | 1,270 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #935 | 1,250 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #940 | 1,220 | ▲ up 4190 · +4983% births |
| 2020 | #5130 | 24 | ▼ down 158 · -11% births |
| 2015 | #4972 | 27 | ▲ up 1211 · +29% births |
| 2010 | #6183 | 21 | ▼ down 748 · -9% births |
| 2005 | #5435 | 23 | ▲ up 53 · +15% births |
| 2000 | #5488 | 20 | ▼ down 1515 · -23% births |
| 1995 | #3973 | 26 | ▼ down 1277 · -40% births |
| 1990 | #2696 | 43 | ▼ down 41 · +19% births |
| 1985 | #2655 | 36 | ▼ down 642 · -31% births |
| 1980 | #2013 | 52 | ▲ up 155 · +33% births |
| 1975 | #2168 | 39 | — |
The story of Cecile
Cecile has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 20,504 babies have received this name. Once ranked #405 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #930 in 2023. Cecile is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cecile in 1898:
Cecile by decade
Cecile peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 389 | |
| 1890s | 1,123 | |
| 1900s | 1,642 | |
| 1910s | 3,638 | |
| 1920s ★ | 4,143 | |
| 1930s | 2,900 | |
| 1940s | 2,405 | |
| 1950s | 1,814 | |
| 1960s | 895 | |
| 1970s | 335 | |
| 1980s | 402 | |
| 1990s | 295 | |
| 2000s | 262 | |
| 2010s | 237 | |
| 2020s | 68 | |
What are good nicknames for Cecile?
Famous people named Cecile
C(
Cecile (medieval French noble)
Cecile held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
C(
Cecile (French impressionist artist)
Cecile used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
C(
Cecile (medieval French noble)
Cecile held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
C(
Cecile (French author)
Cecile immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cecile?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cecile also consider these
Common questions about the name Cecile
What does the name Cecile mean?
Cecile means "blind" — a name rooted in French 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 Cecile?
Cecile is currently ranked #930 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cecile?
Cecile originates from French tradition. French 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 Cecile?
Cecile is a two-syllable name pronounced sis-EEL. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cecile a common or rare name?
Cecile is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.