Cecilia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius. The surname Caecilius is believed to have been adopted by those who were born blind or had some form of visual impairment, as "caecus" means "blind" in Latin.
The name Cecilia has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. It was the name of several early Christian martyrs, including Saint Cecilia, who is said to have lived in the 2nd century Rome. According to legend, she refused to renounce her faith during a time of persecution and was ultimately put to death. Her feast day is celebrated on November 22nd.
In England, the name began to appear in records as early as the 12th century. It became particularly popular during the Middle Ages, and has remained in common use ever since. In some cases, it may have been used as a pet form of other names such as Cicely or Cecily, which are also derived from Caecilius.
Today, Cecilia is still considered a beautiful and elegant name for girls. It continues to be popular in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, where it consistently ranks among the top 1000 most commonly given female names. Variations of the name include Cecile, Cece, Cici, and Zelie.
Overall, the name Cecilia carries a rich history and cultural significance, making it an appealing choice for parents looking to give their daughter a name with Latin roots and enduring appeal.
The name Cecilia experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the course of a century and a half, from just 44 births in 1880 to a peak of 2094 births in 2021. There were periods of steady growth, particularly between 1896 and 1939, during which the number of annual births with the name Cecilia more than quadrupled. However, there have also been several declines, notably from 1957 to 1963 where it dropped by approximately 200 births per year. The most striking feature is the rapid rise in popularity since around 2006, with a nearly fourfold increase between 2001 and 2021. Overall, Cecilia has seen a steady growth in usage over time, though with notable fluctuations along the way.