Cecilio is a unique and distinctively male name of Latin origin. It derives from the Latin word "caecus," which means "blind." Despite its seemingly unusual origin, Cecilio has been used throughout history and continues to be popular in various cultures today.
The name Cecilio was borne by several notable figures in history. One such figure is Saint Cecilio, also known as Saint Cecilius of Carthage. Born in the 3rd century AD in Carthage (now Tunisia), he was a Christian martyr who refused to renounce his faith during a time of persecution. Despite being tortured and ultimately executed for his beliefs, Saint Cecilio became revered as a symbol of faith and courage.
Another historical figure with the name Cecilio is Spanish composer Cecilio Madrigal y marquez (1808-1892). A contemporary of Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin, Madrigal was considered one of the most brilliant pianists of his time. His compositions, which included operas, piano concertos, and chamber music, showcased his exceptional talent and helped shape Spanish musical tradition.
Cecilio has also been used as a given name in various cultures throughout history. In Portugal, Cecilio is a common name among men, often used to honor the patron saint of musicians (Saint Cecilio). Meanwhile, in Italy, it may be found among families with roots in Latin America or those who wish to give their child a unique and meaningful name.
In terms of its meaning, Cecilio signifies "blind" or "without sight," likely referring to an inner quality such as spiritual insight or wisdom gained through adversity. This interpretation adds depth to the name's historical significance, particularly when considering figures like Saint Cecilio who faced persecution and martyrdom with unwavering faith.
Overall, Cecilio is a fascinating name that combines historical significance with cultural diversity and a unique meaning rooted in Latin origins. Whether as an homage to notable figures or simply chosen for its distinctive sound and meaning, Cecilio stands out among male names today.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Cecilio in the United States from 1909 to 2023. The data demonstrates a significant increase in the popularity of this name over time, with a notable peak occurring around the mid-20th century.
From 1909 to 1940, the number of births with the name Cecilio remained relatively low, ranging from five to twenty-four per year. However, starting in the 1940s and continuing through the 1950s and early 1960s, there was a steady rise in popularity for this name, reaching highs of thirty births or more annually during these decades.
The late 1960s to early 1980s saw another surge in popularity, with consistent numbers of twenty-five births or more each year. Notably, Cecilio peaked at its highest point in the United States during this period, with thirty-six births recorded in 1977.
Since then, the popularity of the name Cecilio has fluctuated but remained stable overall. The most recent data shows that there were nineteen births with this name in 2023. In total, from 1909 to 2023, there have been 2,387 recorded births with the name Cecilio in the United States.