A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Cecil since 1880
Babies named Cecil per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cecil's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 295 | 705 |
| 1890s | 961 | 1,808 |
| 1900s | 1,182 | 3,610 |
| 1910s | 1,812 | 15,987 |
| 1920s | 1,475 | 22,528 |
| 1930s | 771 | 16,482 |
| 1940s | 555 | 14,837 |
| 1950s | 284 | 12,003 |
| 1960s | 131 | 7,430 |
| 1970s | 74 | 4,181 |
| 1980s | 92 | 2,930 |
| 1990s | 26 | 1,700 |
| 2000s | 19 | 1,094 |
| 2010s | 5 | 1,011 |
| 2020s | 5 | 683 |
Meaning & origin
Cecil has a long history of use in the English-speaking world, but its popularity has waned significantly since its peak. The name ranked as high as 54th in 1902, during the early 1900s when it was a common choice for boys. However, its usage declined steadily throughout the 20th century. In recent decades, Cecil has become rare, though it has seen a modest revival since 2010. The name is most frequently found in Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. While its Latin root meaning 'blind' may be off-putting to some, the name carries a vintage charm that could appeal to parents seeking a classic, underused name.
Derived from the Roman clan name Caecilius, a derivative of the Latin 'caecus' meaning 'blind'. The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans and has been used since the Middle Ages. In Wales, it is sometimes considered an Anglicized form of the Welsh name Seisyllt.
Where Cecil is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cec, Cece
Sibling names for Cecil
Names that share Cecil's style, for a brother or sister.
