Celie

“Heavenly” — Associated with celestial beings

English origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#13773US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

496All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Celie

SEL·ee

/ˈsɛl.iː/ · stress on SEL · 2 syllables

“Heavenly”

Associated with celestial beings · English origin

What does Celie mean and where does it come from?

Celie is a diminutive form of 'Cecilia' and is a name used mainly in English-speaking countries. The name suggests a connection to the heavens, often associated with celestial beings. Celie gained some cultural recognition through the character in Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple'.

Cultural significance

Celie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of heavenly.

Peak popularity

Reached #847 in 1880 — currently #13773 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Celie?

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

Celie Grace

How popular is Celie right now?

Falling — down 324 spots — currently #13773 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#13773 · Top 10%

1880

1895

1900

1905

1915

1920

1935

1945

1955

1960

1990

1995

2005

2010

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#13773	6	▼ down 324 · -14% births
2010	#13449	7	▼ down 3998 · -36% births
2005	#9451	11	▲ up 2344 · +83% births
1995	#11795	6	▲ up 1176 · +20% births
1990	#12971	5	▼ down 6568
1960	#6403	5	▼ down 1654 · -29% births
1955	#4749	7	▼ down 709 · +17% births
1945	#4040	6	▼ down 289
1935	#3751	6	▼ down 152 · -25% births
1920	#3599	8	▼ down 1067 · -27% births
1915	#2532	11	▼ down 980 · +57% births
1905	#1552	7	▼ down 108 · -12% births
1900	#1444	8	▼ down 308 · -11% births
1895	#1136	9	▼ down 289 · +80% births
1880	#847	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Celie

Best Year1900Rank #1444

Peak Count11

Average Rank#6885

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202313 years

The story of Celie

Celie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 496 total births recorded, Celie remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #847 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13773 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Celie in 1880:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Celie by decade

Celie peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	24
1890s	40
1900s	38
1910s ★	86
1920s	62
1930s	22
1940s	21
1950s	15
1960s	11
1980s	21
1990s	35
2000s	83
2010s	38

💎Celie has only 496 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Celie?

Common

CelCely

What names sound and feel like Celie?

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

English · A meaningful name

Delie

France · a variant of

Cealie

American · English

Common questions about the name Celie

What does the name Celie mean?

Celie means "Heavenly" — a name rooted in English 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 Celie?

Celie 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 Celie?

Celie originates from English tradition. English 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 Celie?

Celie is a two-syllable name pronounced S EH1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Celie a common or rare name?

Celie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.