Cecilia: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced seh-SEEL-yuh · 3 syllables
Cecilia means “from the Roman Caecilius family; patron saint of music”, from Latin.
From Latin Caecilia, feminine form of Caecilius, a Roman family name possibly derived from the byname caecus (“blind”). Popularized by Saint Cecilia, third century Roman martyr, the patron saint of music. Doublet of Sheila.
- Meaning
- from the Roman Caecilius family; patron saint of music
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- seh-SEEL-yuh
- US rank (2025)
- #108
- US babies a year
- about 2,762 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1900
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Classic
How popular is Cecilia?
Cecilia was the #108 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,506 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1900.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #108 |
| England & Wales | #408 |
| Scotland | #471 |
| Ireland | #199 |
| France | #889 |
| Norway | #490 |
| Canada | #179 |
| Australia | #239 |
How old are people named Cecilia?
Half of US adults named Cecilia are older than 49; most are between 20 and 83. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Cecilia
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Cecilia have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Cecilia
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Cecilia
What does the name Cecilia mean?
Cecilia means “from the Roman Caecilius family; patron saint of music”. It comes from Latin.
How do you pronounce Cecilia?
Cecilia is pronounced seh-SEEL-yuh.
How popular is the name Cecilia?
Cecilia was the #108 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,506 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1900.
How old are people named Cecilia?
Half of US adults named Cecilia are older than 49. Most are between 20 and 83.