Declining since 1998, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Cecilio since 1909
Babies named Cecilio per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1998, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cecilio's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 84 |
| 1920s | 180 |
| 1930s | 126 |
| 1940s | 198 |
| 1950s | 221 |
| 1960s | 239 |
| 1970s | 267 |
| 1980s | 311 |
| 1990s | 322 |
| 2000s | 220 |
| 2010s | 148 |
| 2020s | 90 |
Meaning & origin
Cecilio is a rare and traditional name with roots in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures. First recorded in the United States in 1909, it peaked in popularity that same year but has been steadily declining for decades, with a notable drop since 1998. In 2025, it ranks 8,243rd nationally, with only about 1 in 189,786 boys receiving the name. Despite its low modern usage, Cecilio retains a classic, saintly aura through its connection to Saint Cecilio, a 2nd-century martyr. The name has not seen a revival and remains a distinctive choice for families honoring Latin heritage.
Cecilio is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of the Latin name Caecilius, a Roman family name derived from 'caecus' meaning 'blind'. The name was borne by a number of early Christian saints, contributing to its spread in Catholic countries. It has been used in Italy, Spain, and Latin America since the Middle Ages.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cecil, Celo
Sibling names for Cecilio
Names that share Cecilio's style, for a brother or sister.
