Cilly

diminutive of Cecilia
Modern English origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1898US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.4%Percentile

What does Cilly mean and where does it come from?

Cilly is often used as a diminutive form of the name Cecilia, which has Latin roots meaning 'blind'.

Cultural significance
The name Cilly is used in various English-speaking countries and is often seen as a friendly or affectionate nickname.
Peak popularity
Reached #1898 in 2015 — currently #1898 in the US.
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Related Reading
Modern English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Cilly?

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

What middle names flow best with Cilly?

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

Cilly Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Cilly John
One syllable · timeless choice
Cilly Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Cilly Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cilly Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Cilly Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Cilly
Browse ideas →

How popular is Cilly right now?

Holding steady — currently #1898 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1898 · Top 1.4%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#189810stable
2022#189810stable
2021#189810stable
2020#189810stable
2019#189810
💎Cilly is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Cilly?

Common
CilCi

Common questions about the name Cilly

What does the name Cilly mean?
Cilly means "diminutive of Cecilia" — a name rooted in Modern 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 Cilly?
Cilly is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cilly?
Cilly originates from Modern English tradition. Modern English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cilly a common or rare name?
Cilly is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Cilly more of a girl or boy name?
Cilly is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.