Cicely

“Blind”

English origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#11393US 2023

8Births / yr

↓Falling

2.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 191700.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Cicely

SIS·ul·ee

/ˈsɪs.əl.iː/ · stress on SIS · 3 syllables

“Blind”

English origin · Girl name

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.

🌿

How else can you spell Cicely?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Sicily

Spelling variant

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

How popular is Cicely right now?

Falling — down 1554 spots — currently #11393 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#11393 · Top 8.4%

1945

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cicely

Best Year1975Rank #1018

Peak Count119

Average Rank#5619

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202316 years

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:

Jennifer Amy Michelle Heather Angela

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?

DANISH

CilleSiljeSille

DUTCH

CillaSilke

ENGLISH

CeceCeliaCissySissieSissy

FINNISH

Silja

What names sound and feel like Cicely?

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

Cisely

American · variant of Cecily

Sicely

American · from Sicily

English · Full of life

Icely

USA · Cool, icy

Isely

English · A meaningful name

How is Cicely written in other languages?

What are the boy versions of Cicely?

Caecilius ANCIENT ROMAN Cecil ENGLISH Cecilio ITALIAN Cecilio PORTUGUESE Cecilio SPANISH

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.