Cecilia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius, which means "blind" or "one-eyed". The name has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing the name.
The most famous Cecilia was Saint Cecilia, a third-century Roman martyr who is the patron saint of musicians. According to legend, Cecilia was a devout Christian who refused to marry a pagan suitor and instead married a Christian man named Valerian. When her husband discovered that she was a Christian, he was martyred, and Cecilia was sentenced to death. However, she remained unharmed after being placed in a burning furnace and was eventually beheaded.
Despite its association with the martyrdom of Saint Cecilia, the name has not always been associated with sadness or tragedy. In fact, the name has often been connected with music and art. The 17th-century composer Giovanni Paolo Colonna wrote an oratorio called "Santa Cecilia" in honor of the saint, and many musical compositions have been dedicated to her throughout history.
Today, the name Cecilia continues to be popular around the world, particularly in countries such as Italy, Spain, and the United States. While its meaning may vary depending on cultural interpretations, the name remains a beautiful and unique choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive and meaningful name with deep historical roots.
The name Cesilia has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the years, with some notable fluctuations. Between 1962 and 2023, there were a total of 773 babies named Cesilia born in the U.S.
In the early years recorded, from 1962 to 1975, the number of births was consistently low, ranging from 5 to 13 births per year. However, starting in 1976, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Cesilia, with 18 births in 1980 and peaking at 44 births in 1995.
The late 1990s saw a steady decline in the number of babies named Cesilia, with around 20 to 30 births per year from 1996 to 1999. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with fewer than 25 births per year between 2000 and 2004.
Since 2005, the number of babies named Cesilia has remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 births per year. The most recent data shows that there were 8 births in 2014, 5 births in 2016, and 8 births in 2022, with another 5 births recorded in 2023.
While the name Cesilia may not be among the most popular choices today, its historical usage in the U.S. demonstrates a unique pattern of popularity over several decades. It is fascinating to observe how trends in naming can change over time and what factors contribute to these shifts.