Cecile is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the masculine name Caecilius. The name Caecilius is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "caecus," which means blind. However, it is important to note that there is no direct connection between the name Cecile and blindness.
The name Caecilius was quite popular in ancient Rome, with many notable figures bearing this name throughout history. Some examples include Gaius Caecilius Metellus, a Roman general and politician who lived during the 2nd century BCE, and Marcus Caecilius Metellus, another Roman general and politician from the same family who lived during the 1st century BCE.
Over time, the masculine name Caecilius evolved into its feminine form, Cecile. The name Cecile became popular in France during the Middle Ages and was often used as a diminutive of longer names such as Ceciliola or Cecilla. Throughout history, several saints have borne the name Cecile, including Saint Cecile of Rome, who is believed to have been a martyr during the 3rd century CE.
Today, Cecile remains a popular given name in many parts of the world, particularly in France and other French-speaking countries. While its original meaning may be lost on some, the name Cecile continues to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication, with its roots in ancient Roman history and culture.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the annual occurrences of the name Cecile among newborns in the United States from 1915 to 1952.
From 1915 to 1930, the number of babies named Cecile remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5 and 11 births per year. However, starting from 1938 onwards, we notice a significant increase in popularity for this name, with 12 births recorded both in 1938 and 1939.
After the peak years of 1938 and 1939, there was a decline in the number of babies named Cecile. From 1942 to 1952, the name's popularity seemed to have stabilized again, with consistently low numbers between 5 and 6 births per year.
In summary, throughout this period, the total number of babies named Cecile amounted to around 191 newborns across the United States. This data showcases how trends in naming can fluctuate over time, reflecting cultural shifts and personal preferences among parents during these years.