Girl · 299th of 9,107
Cecile
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
20,589
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1918
Peak Popularity Year
503
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Cecile 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
Cecile is a name of Latin origin, derived from 'Caecilius', meaning 'blind'. It evolved through historical forms such as Cecilia and has been popularized by its association with St. Cecilia. The name conveys traits of elegance and artistry, with no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/səˈsiːl/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Cecile is derived from the Latin name 'Caecilius', which is a family name that comes from 'caecus', meaning 'blind'. It is often associated with St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.
Meaning
blind
Language Evolution
Caecilius, Cecilia, Cecile
Historical Usage
Cecile gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in French-speaking regions. Its association with St. Cecilia contributed to its use among those with a connection to music or the arts.
Variants & Derivatives
Cecilia, Cecy, Cecyli
Modern Popularity & Image
Cecile is viewed as a classic and elegant name. It evokes a sense of sophistication and is often associated with grace and musical talent.
Famous People
Cecile de France, Cecile Licad, Cecile Richards
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl 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 503 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 41 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 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 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3543rd of 7545 | 84 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3273rd of 6773 | 97 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6723rd of 7552 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 299th of 9107 | 8,513 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 412th of 9204 | 4,986 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 747th of 12526 | 3,274 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2012th of 19264 | 687 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2965th of 27321 | 579 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5098th of 35406 | 403 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5649th of 30306 | 269 |