Holding steady.
Popularity of Cissy since 1946
Babies named Cissy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 89 |
| 1960s | 116 |
| 1970s | 144 |
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cissy is a rare feminine name that functions primarily as a diminutive form. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1946, but it has never entered the top 1000, reflecting its niche usage. The name reached its peak popularity in 1971, though still at very low incidence. Its trajectory has remained stable, with no significant revival trends. Despite its low usage, Cissy carries a friendly, informal charm, typical of Victorian-era nicknames that later became standalone names. The name lacks strong regional associations, as no top states have recorded notable usage. Parents drawn to vintage, spunky-sounding nicknames may consider Cissy for its rarity and retro appeal.
Cissy primarily originated as a pet form of Cecilia (from the Latin Caecilia, meaning 'blind') or Priscilla (from the Latin priscus, meaning 'ancient'). It has also been used as an independent given name since the 19th century, though its usage has declined. The name gained some recognition through the character Cissy in the BBC sitcom 'The League of Gentlemen' (1999-2002), but remains uncommon.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Sissy, Cis
Sibling names for Cissy
Names that share Cissy's style, for a brother or sister.
