What does Cecilia mean and where does it come from?
Cecilia originates from the Latin name Caecilius, which means 'blind'. It is historically popular in many countries, particularly in Italy and Spanish-speaking regions. The name was famously borne by St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, which has made it a common name among musicians and artists.
Cultural significance
Cecilia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of blind.
Peak popularity
Reached #108 in 2025 — currently #108 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cecilia?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cecilia?
Cecilia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cecilia Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cecilia Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Cecilia Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Cecilia Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Cecilia Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Cecilia Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Cecilia right now?
Rising — up 15 spots — currently #108 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #108 | 2,506 | ▲ up 15 · +11% births |
| 2024 | #123 | 2,248 | ▲ up 14 · +9% births |
| 2023 | #137 | 2,057 | ▲ up 8 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #145 | 2,006 | ▼ down 12 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #133 | 2,095 | ▲ up 14 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #147 | 1,846 | ▲ up 34 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #181 | 1,777 | ▲ up 96 · +48% births |
| 2010 | #277 | 1,200 | ▲ up 3 · +1% births |
| 2005 | #280 | 1,188 | ▲ up 3 · +5% births |
| 2000 | #283 | 1,136 | ▼ down 32 · +1% births |
| 1995 | #251 | 1,129 | ▲ up 75 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #326 | 847 | ▲ up 32 · +29% births |
| 1985 | #358 | 657 | ▲ up 3 |
| 1980 | #361 | 654 | ▲ up 38 · +28% births |
| 1975 | #399 | 511 | — |
The story of Cecilia
Cecilia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 100,704 babies have been named Cecilia since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #233 in 1880 to #137 in 2023. Cecilia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cecilia in 2025:
Cecilia by decade
Cecilia peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 630 | |
| 1890s | 1,504 | |
| 1900s | 2,318 | |
| 1910s | 5,705 | |
| 1920s | 6,912 | |
| 1930s | 5,032 | |
| 1940s | 8,019 | |
| 1950s | 9,983 | |
| 1960s | 7,851 | |
| 1970s | 5,599 | |
| 1980s | 7,059 | |
| 1990s | 10,150 | |
| 2000s | 11,982 | |
| 2010s ★ | 16,114 | |
| 2020s | 6,600 | |
What are good nicknames for Cecilia?
ENGLISH
CeceCeliaCissySissieSissy
Famous people named Cecilia
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Cecilia (historical Roman figure)
Cecilia carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Cecilia (Roman senator or statesman)
Cecilia held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cecilia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cecilia also consider these
How is Cecilia written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Cecilia?
Common questions about the name Cecilia
What does the name Cecilia mean?
Cecilia means "Blind" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Cecilia?
Cecilia is currently ranked #137 in the United States 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 Cecilia?
Cecilia originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Cecilia?
Cecilia is a three-syllable name pronounced sis-EE-lyuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Cecilia?
Cecilia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.