Rising since 1986, #108 for girls today.
Popularity of Cecilia since 1880
Babies named Cecilia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 630 |
| 1890s | 1,504 |
| 1900s | 2,318 |
| 1910s | 5,705 |
| 1920s | 6,907 |
| 1930s | 5,028 |
| 1940s | 8,006 |
| 1950s | 9,983 |
| 1960s | 7,852 |
| 1970s | 5,569 |
| 1980s | 6,988 |
| 1990s | 10,114 |
| 2000s | 11,984 |
| 2010s | 16,150 |
| 2020s | 12,773 |
Meaning & origin
Cecilia has been in continuous use in the United States since at least 1880, the earliest year of Social Security records. After a period of decline in the mid-20th century, the name has been rising in popularity since 1986, reaching its peak rank of 108 in 2025, with roughly 1 in 641 newborn girls receiving the name. Cecilia is particularly favored in Vermont, Connecticut, and Delaware, where it ranks among the top names. The name's association with Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, has lent it a melodic and artistic aura, while its classic Latin roots provide a sense of timelessness. Its steady revival over the past four decades reflects a broader trend toward vintage, elegant names.
Cecilia derives from the Latin name Caecilia, feminine form of Caecilius, a Roman family name based on caecus (blind). The name is borne by Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, which has contributed to its enduring popularity, especially after the Renaissance. It entered English usage via the French Cécile.
Where Cecilia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cecilia” around the world
Where Cecilia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
12
babies in 2025
New Zealand
18
babies in 2025
Quebec
26
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cece, Celia, Lia, Cissy
Sibling names for Cecilia
Names that share Cecilia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Josephine, Elena, Clara, Violet, Margot, Agnes, Claire, Genevieve, Sylvia, Agatha, Bettina, Demi, Estella, Faustina, Letitia, Magdalena, Philippa, Philomena, Theodora, Analee, Beatrix, Bibiana, Dominica, Dyanna, Eulalia, Honora, Josephina, Madalene, Marguerita, Anastazia, Anicia, Annaleah, Aurianna, Claudina, Constantina, Elycia, Eufemia, Florentina, Gwendelyn, Gwendolen, Laurelle, Leocadia, Letecia, Liliann, Magdalyn, Magdeline, Maurita, Patrisia, Sissy, Toccara, Analissa, Anthonia, Anysia, Apolonia, Averianna, Celicia, Dionisia, Ebelin, Eusebia, Evalise, Lucillie, Marguarite, Nadalie, Perpetua, Porfiria, Rosabell, Sedalia, Teresia, Trinita, Valaree, Adaleen, Adeana, Adriyana, Amelianna, Amicia, Beatric, Benedicta, Calvina, Danelia, Edilia, Gerarda, Lawrencia, Lillionna, Lorenia, Tamelia, Victorina
Brothers: Julian, Felix, Hugo, Leo, Simon, Desmond, Aloysius, Ambrose, Basil, Cornelius, Lionel, Thaddeus, Apolinar, Augustin, Benedict, Dionicio, Ignatius, Isidore, Norberto, Silvester, Urban, Alphonsus, Blase, Cornel, Damein, Emeric, Eustace, Julion, Radford, Redmond, Severiano, Atanacio, Damacio, Kassian, Osborn, Telesforo, Bertran, Forrester, Gilmar, Zeferino
Names like Cecilia
Names whose popularity has moved with Cecilia's over the last 50 years.
