Girl · 156th of 30,306
Cecilia
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
109,169
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
2,238
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Cecilia 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
Cecilia is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'blind', derived from the Roman family name 'Caecilius'. It evolved through Old French and Middle English forms. The name is often linked to Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music, contributing to its historical popularity. Today, it is seen as a sophisticated and timeless name, with notable bearers in music and science.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/səˈsɪliə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Cecilia is derived from the Latin name 'Caecilius', which is related to 'caecus' meaning 'blind'. It has been used as a feminine name since the Middle Ages, often associated with Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music.
Meaning
Blind
Language Evolution
Caecilia (Latin), Cecilia (Old French), Cecily (Middle English)
Historical Usage
Cecilia gained popularity in the Middle Ages due to the veneration of Saint Cecilia, and has remained a popular name in various cultures since then.
Variants & Derivatives
Cecily, Celia, Cecil
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Cecilia is viewed as a classic and elegant name. It is often associated with musical and artistic sensibilities due to its connection with Saint Cecilia.
Famous People
Saint Cecilia, Cecilia Bartoli (opera singer), Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (astronomer)
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
Highly Popular name with 2,238 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 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 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5592nd of 6773 | 15 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6723rd of 7552 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6381st of 10718 | 36 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6202nd of 16616 | 99 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 19652nd of 24088 | 12 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 238th of 9107 | 13,611 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 268th of 9204 | 10,430 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 277th of 12526 | 18,417 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 388th of 19264 | 9,315 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 320th of 27321 | 13,330 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 271st of 35406 | 19,083 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 156th of 30306 | 22,423 |