Girl · 558th of 30,306
Cecelia
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
59,959
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1918
Peak Popularity Year
935
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Cecelia stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Cecelia is a name of Latin origin, derived from 'Caecilia', meaning 'blind'. It evolved through historical forms like 'Cecilia' before reaching its modern form. The name is often associated with traits of grace and musicality, linked to Saint Cecilia. It does not have biblical relevance. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages and has seen renewed interest in contemporary times, with various common variants and derivatives.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/sɪˈsiːliə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
Cecelia is derived from the Latin name 'Caecilia', which is a feminine form of 'Caecilius', meaning 'blind'. It is linked to the Roman family name 'Caecilius', which was derived from the Latin word 'caecus'.
Meaning
blind
Language Evolution
Caecilia, Cecilia, Cecelia
Historical Usage
Cecelia gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in connection with Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, whose feast day is celebrated on November 22. The name has been used in various forms throughout history, particularly in Christian contexts.
Variants & Derivatives
Cecilia, Cecily, Celia, Cecile
Modern Popularity & Image
Cecelia is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with grace and musical talent due to its connection with Saint Cecilia. It has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
Famous People
Saint Cecilia, Cecelia Ahern (Irish author), Cecelia Holland (American author), Cecilia Bartoli (Italian mezzo-soprano)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 935 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Pennsylvania
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 12 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5874th of 6773 | 11 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 222nd of 9107 | 15,465 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 273rd of 9204 | 9,797 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 344th of 12526 | 12,685 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 722nd of 19264 | 3,364 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 876th of 27321 | 3,323 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 738th of 35406 | 5,736 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 558th of 30306 | 6,678 |