MallowbyNames

Cecila

seh-SEE-lah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Cecilia, meaning 'blind' or a feminine form of Cecil.

Peak popularity
1900
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Cecila since 1900

Babies named Cecila per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1970, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cecila's real moment was 1900.

61218192019602000Most births 1970Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1900s7
1910s49
1920s81
1930s34
1940s46
1950s85
1960s91
1970s123
1980s123
1990s96
2000s43
2010s15
2020s11

Meaning & origin

Cecila is a rare and delicate spelling variant of the classic Cecilia, first recorded in U.S. data in 1900. It has never entered the top 1000 and maintains an extremely low birth count, fewer than one in a million newborns, reflecting its status as an uncommon choice. The name has seen no significant revival and remains stable in its obscurity. Its simplicity and melodic sound may appeal to parents seeking an alternative to the more popular Cecilia, though its rarity means it has no strong regional ties, as no top states have reported significant usage. While not a traditional name, Cecila carries the same elegant, historical weight as its source name, connected to the patron saint of music.

Cecila is a variant spelling of Cecilia, which derives from the Latin name Caecilia, feminine form of Caecilius, a Roman family name meaning 'blind'. The name's association with Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, has contributed to its enduring use. Cecila emerged as a less common spelling variant in English-speaking countries, particularly in the early 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Celia, Cici, Cece

Variants: Cecilia, Cecily, Cicely

Sibling names for Cecila

Names that share Cecila's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Cecila, our favorite little girl.

C is for Cecila…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Cecila's letter becomes Cecila's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Cecila's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Cecila mean?
Cecila is a variant of Cecilia, which traditionally means 'blind' from the Latin 'caecus'. However, some etymologists suggest it may also be related to the Latin 'caelum' meaning 'heaven'.
How popular is the name Cecila?
Cecila has never ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States. It was first recorded in 1900 but has remained extremely rare, with fewer than five births per year in recent decades.
Is Cecila a boy or girl name?
Cecila is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.