Cecile

“blind” — Associated with Saint Cecilia

French origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#930US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

20.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.07% of births at peak

How to pronounce Cecile

sis·EEL

/sɪs.ˈiːl/ · stress on EEL · 2 syllables

“blind”

Associated with Saint Cecilia · French origin

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 #930 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Cecile right now?

Holding steady — currently #930 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#930 · Top 0.69%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▼ down 411 · -24% births
1970	#1757	51	▼ down 532 · -34% births
1965	#1225	77	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cecile

Best Year1900Rank #246

Peak Count1,270

Average Rank#1860

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

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:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

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	24

What are good nicknames for Cecile?

Common

CecCecieCecyIle

Famous people named Cecile

Cecile (medieval French noble)

Cecile held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.

Cecile (French impressionist artist)

Cecile used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.

Cecile (medieval French noble)

Cecile held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.

Cecile (French author)

Cecile immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.

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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

France · Derived from 'Cécile',

Celine

French · heavenly

Camile

French · Derived from the

Lesile

American · from the meadow;

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 S IH0 S IY1 L. 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.