Cecylia is a female given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word 'caecus', meaning blind. This name was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs, which contributed to its popularity in medieval Europe. It is often associated with the Saint Ceciliani, who was venerated in France and England during the Middle Ages. The name Cecylia has been used historically in various forms throughout different cultures and languages, including Cecilie (Danish), Zeynep (Turkish), and Seila (Spanish). Today, it is still a beloved name chosen by parents for their daughters around the world.
The name Cecylia has experienced periods of popularity and decline in birth frequency over the past century, with notable spikes in the early 20th century (1916-1917) and more recently between 2003-2021. Despite these fluctuations, the name has maintained a consistent presence, resulting in a total of 145 births from 1916 to 2023.