Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Cecilia
GirlLatin· “from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'”
- Meaning
- from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- sih-SEEL-yuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #108
- US babies 2025
- 2,506
- Best rank
- #108 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Cecilia
Cecilia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'”.
Cecilia is the feminine form of Caecilius, the name of an old Roman family. It is traditionally connected to the Latin caecus, meaning blind, though that may be a folk explanation for an ancient clan name. Saint Cecilia, a Roman martyr, became the patron saint of music, and many hymns, paintings and concerts honor her. The English form Cecily was common in the Middle Ages, and Cecilia returned to favor in modern times. It sounds graceful and melodic, with nicknames such as Cece, Celia and Cecily. The name suits both formal and playful settings.
Other spellings with the same sound: Cecelia.
Popularity over time
Cecilia 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 146 different years. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #108, and its highest count, 2,506 babies. Use has grown 41% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #238 in 1920, #249 in 1950, #361 in 1980, #283 in 2000, #277 in 2010, and #108 in 2025. Of the 111,511 US girls named Cecilia since records began, 14% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 12,773 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Juliette, Catalina, Margot, Alaia, and Juniper.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cecilia ranked highest in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #37 | 62 |
| Massachusetts | #50 | 101 |
| Vermont | #50 | 8 |
| Delaware | #58 | 12 |
| New Jersey | #63 | 107 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Cecilia is usually pronounced sih-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 Cecelia.
Middle names for Cecilia
A few middle names that flow with Cecilia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cecilia
Similar names
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Amelia Girl
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Lists that include Cecilia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cecilia mean?
Cecilia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'”.
What is the origin of the name Cecilia?
Cecilia has Latin roots. Cecilia is the feminine form of Caecilius, the name of an old Roman family.
Is Cecilia a popular name?
Yes. Cecilia ranked #108 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Cecilia a boy or girl name?
Cecilia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Cecilia?
Cecilia is usually pronounced sih-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