Holding steady.
Popularity of Cilicia since 1976
Babies named Cilicia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 52 |
| 1990s | 37 |
| 2000s | 33 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Cilicia is a rare and distinctive name, first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1976. Despite never cracking the national top 1000, it reached a modest peak in 1998, when it saw its highest number of births. Since then, usage has remained stable but very low, reflecting its status as an uncommon choice. The name likely draws on the ancient region of Cilicia, giving it a geographic and historical resonance that appeals to parents seeking a unique alternative to more popular place-inspired names. While its trajectory has been consistently low, Cilicia's melodic sound and connection to antiquity may ensure it never completely disappears from the naming landscape.
Cilicia is believed to be a place name taken from the ancient region of Cilicia in southeastern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The region's name in Greek was Kilikia, possibly deriving from an earlier Anatolian source. It first appeared as a given name in the United States in 1976, likely influenced by the unfamiliar yet melodic sound of geographic names popular in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cici, Cilia, Lia
Sibling names for Cilicia
Names that share Cilicia's style, for a brother or sister.
