Cecilia is of Latin origin, derived from the word 'caelum', which means 'heaven'. It was popularized by Pope Celestine V in the 13th century, who named himself after the saint Cecilia, patroness of musicians and poets. The name gained further popularity during the Middle Ages due to its association with the saint's legend. Throughout history, various spellings have been used for this name, including Cecily, Cecilie, Cäcilia, and Sekila. Today, it is still a beloved choice among parents seeking a classic yet unique name for their daughters.
"The name Cecila has seen fluctuating popularity over the past century, with peaks in the late 1910s, mid-1940s to early 1950s, and again in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Interestingly, there was a significant spike in popularity around the year 2000, with 11 births recorded that year."