What does Cicely mean and where does it come from?
Cicely is derived from the Latin name 'Caecilia,' which relates to the Latin word 'caecus' meaning 'blind.' Its use dates back to the Middle Ages and has historical significance, notably due to St. Cecilia, the patroness of music, which contributed to its popularity. It has been used in literature a
Cultural significance
Cicely has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of blind.
Peak popularity
Reached #608 in 1974 — currently #11393 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cicely?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cicely?
Cicely works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cicely Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cicely Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cicely Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cicely Claire
French influence · crisp
Cicely Jane
Literary · strong
Cicely Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cicely right now?
Falling — down 1554 spots — currently #11393 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #11393 | 8 | ▼ down 1554 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #9839 | 10 | ▼ down 3090 · -41% births |
| 2021 | #6749 | 17 | ▲ up 4194 · +89% births |
| 2015 | #10943 | 9 | ▼ down 4539 · -55% births |
| 2010 | #6404 | 20 | ▼ down 1108 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #5296 | 24 | ▼ down 876 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #4420 | 27 | ▼ down 1181 · -23% births |
| 1995 | #3239 | 35 | ▲ up 2100 · +106% births |
| 1990 | #5339 | 17 | ▼ down 2460 · -47% births |
| 1985 | #2879 | 32 | ▼ down 1370 · -59% births |
| 1980 | #1509 | 79 | ▼ down 491 · -34% births |
| 1975 | #1018 | 119 | ▲ up 3305 · +815% births |
| 1970 | #4323 | 13 | ▲ up 2477 · +160% births |
| 1965 | #6800 | 5 | ▼ down 1887 |
| 1945 | #4913 | 5 | — |
The story of Cicely
Cicely entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 2,335 total births recorded, Cicely remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4832 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11393 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cicely in 1974:
Cicely by decade
Cicely peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 10 | |
| 1920s | 29 | |
| 1930s | 16 | |
| 1940s | 24 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 52 | |
| 1970s ★ | 1,071 | |
| 1980s | 530 | |
| 1990s | 261 | |
| 2000s | 200 | |
| 2010s | 136 | |
💎With 2,335 total births, Cicely is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cicely?
ENGLISH
CeceCeliaCissySissieSissy
What names sound and feel like Cicely?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cicely also consider these
How is Cicely written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Cicely?
Common questions about the name Cicely
What does the name Cicely mean?
Cicely means "Blind" — 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 Cicely?
Cicely is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cicely?
Cicely 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 Cicely?
Cicely is a three-syllable name pronounced S IH1 S AH0 L IY0. 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 Cicely?
Cicely pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.