Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
25.56% 362nd/1416 |
13.56% 187th/1379 |
16.91% 400th/2366 |
40.72% 465th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
35.51% 549th/1546 |
14.85% 231st/1556 |
21.63% 509th/2353 |
36.33% 562nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
40.50% 902nd/2227 |
21.98% 534th/2430 |
28.88% 824th/2853 |
29.19% 810th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
48.95% 1705th/3483 |
60.18% 2117th/3518 |
48.05% 1943rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
95.17% 3507th/3685 |
73.25% 3278th/4475 |
74.72% 3881st/5194 |
42.74% 2700th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
67.28% 4920th/7313 |
65.34% 4876th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
87.73% 5985th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3543rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3273rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6723rd out of 7552 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 299th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 412th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 747th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2012th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2965th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5098th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5649th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.