What does Ceili mean and where does it come from?
Ceili is derived from the Irish word 'céilí', which refers to a traditional social gathering featuring music and dancing. This name reflects a cultural heritage in Ireland where such social gatherings are important in community bonding. The name is relatively modern, seeing a rise in popularity amon
Cultural significance
Ceili has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a gathering or party.
Peak popularity
Reached #4642 in 1997 — currently #14163 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ceili?
Ceili works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ceili Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ceili Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ceili Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ceili Claire
French influence · crisp
Ceili Jane
Literary · strong
Ceili Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ceili right now?
Falling — down 10839 spots — currently #14163 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2015 | #17250 | 5 | ▼ down 10839 · -74% births |
| 2005 | #6411 | 19 | ▲ up 303 · +19% births |
| 2000 | #6714 | 16 | ▲ up 2652 · +78% births |
| 1995 | #9366 | 9 | ▲ up 3292 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #12658 | 6 | — |
The story of Ceili
Ceili is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1989. With 288 total births recorded, Ceili remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #12658 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #17250 in 2015.
Names that peaked alongside Ceili in 1997:
Ceili by decade
Ceili peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 8 | |
| 1990s | 105 | |
| 2000s ★ | 140 | |
| 2010s | 35 | |
💎Ceili has only 288 total recorded births since 1989 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ceili?
What names sound and feel like Ceili?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ceili also consider these
Common questions about the name Ceili
What does the name Ceili mean?
Ceili means "a gathering or party" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Ceili?
Ceili 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 Ceili?
Ceili originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ceili a common or rare name?
Ceili is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Ceili?
Ceili naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.