Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Celia
GirlLatin· “possibly heavenly”
- Meaning
- possibly heavenly
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- SEEL-yuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #774
- US babies 2025
- 351
- Best rank
- #141 (1882)
- Peak year
- 1915
Meaning and origin of Celia
Celia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “possibly heavenly”.
Celia comes from the Latin Caelia, the feminine form of Caelius, an old Roman family name. It is often linked to caelum, meaning "heaven" or "sky," though the connection is not certain. Shakespeare used Celia for Rosalind's loyal cousin in As You Like It, and the name later appeared in English poetry as a conventional name for a beloved. Celia is also used in Spanish and Italian, and it is sometimes treated as a short form of Cecilia. It has a light, graceful sound and a vintage charm that feels quietly sophisticated.
Popularity over time
Celia 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. Its best national rank was #141 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 1915, when 853 were named Celia. In 2025, 351 babies were named Celia, and it ranked #774 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #242 in 1920, #351 in 1950, #656 in 1980, #619 in 2000, #744 in 2010, and #774 in 2025. Of the 56,642 US girls named Celia since records began, 12% were born in the 1910s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 6,352 babies. Since 2010, 5,517 more have been named Celia.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Frieda, Sallie, Mollie, Goldie, and Tillie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Celia ranked highest in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #442 | 8 |
| Massachusetts | #446 | 12 |
| Michigan | #462 | 18 |
| South Carolina | #481 | 10 |
| New Jersey | #503 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Celia is usually pronounced SEEL-yuh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Celia
A few middle names that flow with Celia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Celia
Similar names
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Lists that include Celia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Celia mean?
Celia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “possibly heavenly”.
What is the origin of the name Celia?
Celia has Latin roots. Celia comes from the Latin Caelia, the feminine form of Caelius, an old Roman family name.
Is Celia a popular name?
Yes. Celia ranked #774 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Celia a boy or girl name?
Celia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Celia?
Celia is usually pronounced 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