Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Cecelia
GirlLatin· “from a Roman family name”
- Meaning
- from a Roman family name
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- suh-SEEL-yuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #529
- US babies 2025
- 569
- Best rank
- #169 (1884)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Cecelia
Cecelia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “from a Roman family name”.
Cecelia is a spelling of Cecilia, the feminine form of the Roman family name Caecilius. That name is traditionally linked to the Latin caecus, meaning blind, though this may be a folk explanation. Saint Cecilia, an early Roman martyr, is the patron saint of music, and her feast day has inspired works by composers including Handel and Purcell. The name spread across Christian Europe and has a refined, musical feel. Cece, Celia and Cecily are related names and nicknames, and the ce spelling is common in the United States.
Other spellings with the same sound: Cecilia.
Popularity over time
Cecelia has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 144 different years. Its best national rank was #169 in 1884, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 935 were named Cecelia. In 2025, 569 babies were named Cecelia, and it ranked #529 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #217 in 1920, #277 in 1950, #928 in 1980, #771 in 2000, #739 in 2010, and #529 in 2025. Of the 60,519 US girls named Cecelia since records began, 12% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 7,169 babies. Since 2010, 8,544 more have been named Cecelia.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Effie, Luella, Ora, Iva, and May.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cecelia ranked highest in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #177 | 32 |
| Rhode Island | #192 | 5 |
| North Dakota | #203 | 5 |
| Montana | #220 | 5 |
| New Hampshire | #243 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Cecelia is usually pronounced suh-SEEL-yuh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ia”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Cecilia.
Middle names for Cecelia
A few middle names that flow with Cecelia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cecelia
Similar names
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nuh-TAHL-yuh
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mag-NOHL-yuh
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aw-REEL-yuh
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Lists that include Cecelia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cecelia mean?
Cecelia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “from a Roman family name”.
What is the origin of the name Cecelia?
Cecelia has Latin roots. Cecelia is a spelling of Cecilia, the feminine form of the Roman family name Caecilius.
Is Cecelia a popular name?
Yes. Cecelia ranked #529 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Cecelia a boy or girl name?
Cecelia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Cecelia?
Cecelia is usually pronounced suh-SEEL-yuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings