Ceil

“slender, thin”

Scotland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1787US 2023

413Births / yr

→Stable

783All-time births

📅 Since 189400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ceil

see·EE·IL

/ˌsiː.ˈiː.ˈɪl/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables

“slender, thin”

Scotland origin · Girl name

What does Ceil mean and where does it come from?

Ceil is a feminine name derived from the Irish and Scottish name 'Céile,' often used as a diminutive of Cecilia, which itself means 'blind' in Latin. The name is relatively rare, with deep cultural ties to Gaelic traditions in Scotland and Ireland, symbolizing grace and slenderness.

Cultural significance

Ceil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slender, thin.

Peak popularity

Reached #870 in 1905 — currently #1787 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ceil?

Ceil works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ceil Grace

How popular is Ceil right now?

Holding steady — currently #1787 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#1787 · Top 1.3%

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1787	413	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1792	393	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1797	363	▲ up 3565 · +5086% births
1965	#5362	7	▼ down 1120 · -30% births
1960	#4242	10	▼ down 1237 · -33% births
1955	#3005	15	▼ down 192 · +7% births
1950	#2813	14	▲ up 1876 · +180% births
1945	#4689	5	▼ down 716 · -17% births
1940	#3973	6	▼ down 739 · -25% births
1935	#3234	8	▲ up 1441 · +60% births
1930	#4675	5	▼ down 163 · -17% births
1925	#4512	6	▼ down 1726 · -50% births
1920	#2786	12	▼ down 1510 · -61% births
1915	#1276	31	▼ down 27 · +121% births
1910	#1249	14	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ceil

Best Year1905Rank #870

Peak Count413

Average Rank#2899

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202317 years

The story of Ceil

Ceil has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. With 783 total births recorded, Ceil remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1227 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1787 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ceil in 1905:

Mary Helen Margaret Anna Ruth

Ceil by decade

Ceil peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	10
1900s	123
1910s ★	219
1920s	98
1930s	58
1940s	84
1950s	148
1960s	43

💎Ceil has only 783 total recorded births since 1894 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ceil?

Common

CeilieCeily

What names sound and feel like Ceil?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ceil also consider these

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Ceil

What does the name Ceil mean?

Ceil means "slender, thin" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Ceil?

Ceil is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Ceil?

Ceil originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Ceil?

Ceil is a three-syllable name pronounced S IY2 IY1 IH1 L. 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 Ceil?

Ceil pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.