Cecilia is a name of Latin origin that means "sixth." It is derived from the Latin word " septum," which means "seven," and was traditionally given to children born on the sixth day of the week, Saturday. The name has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians, who was a third-century martyr.
The name Cecilia is also associated with several historical figures, including Cecilia Gonzaga, an Italian noblewoman of the House of Gonzaga in the 14th century, and Cecilia Metella, a Roman matron and wife of Lucius Cornelius Balbus Major in ancient Rome. The name has been used throughout Europe for centuries and has become popular in many countries around the world.
Today, the name Cecilia is often associated with music due to its connection with Saint Cecilia. It is also seen as a strong and elegant name that conveys a sense of grace and sophistication. Despite its historic popularity, the name remains unique and distinctive, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a memorable and meaningful name for their daughter.
In literature and art, the name Cecilia has been used in several notable works, including the poem "Cecilia or the Last Days" by John Keats and the painting "Saint Cecilia" by the Italian artist Carlo Crivelli. These uses further highlight the enduring appeal of this beautiful and historic name.
The name Ceceilia has a varied history of popularity in the United States, with peaks and valleys throughout the decades.
In the early years recorded (from 1939 to 1959), the name saw some fluctuations but generally maintained a steady presence. The highest number of births during this period was 15 in 1956, while the lowest was just 5 in several years including 1947 and 1959.
However, there was a significant drop in popularity from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. There were only five births each year between 1957 and 1962, with no recorded births for several years after that until it re-emerged in 1968 with six births.
The name saw a resurgence in popularity from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. The highest number of births during this period was 13 in 2002, and there were consistently between five and ten births each year until around 2005.
Since then, the name has maintained a steady but low level of popularity. There have been fewer than ten births per year since 2006, with the highest being nine in both 2009 and 2021, and the lowest being five in several years including 2015 and 2020.
In total, there were 327 recorded births of the name Ceceilia in the United States from 1939 to 2023. This demonstrates that while the name has not been particularly popular at any given time, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout the years.