All about the name

Cecila

Female

« Cecilia is a female given name of Latin origin, derived from 'caelum' meaning 'heaven', interpreted as 'of heaven'. Popularized by Saint Cecilia in the 2nd century AD, it has since been used in literature and art. »

#20429 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Cecilia is a female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "caelum," which means "heaven." Therefore, the name Cecilia has been interpreted to mean "of heaven" or "from heaven." The name Cecilia is believed to have been first used during the early Christian period in Rome. It was the name given to a young woman named Saint Cecilia, who was martyred for her faith during the 2nd century AD. After her death, she became a popular saint and her name was adopted by many subsequent generations of Christians. In addition to its association with Saint Cecilia, the name has also been used in literature and art throughout history. For example, it is the name of the heroine in the 19th-century French opera "Cecilia," composed by Luigi Cherubini. Today, the name Cecilia continues to be popular among parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughters. In terms of its popularity, the name Cecilia has fluctuated over time. It was particularly popular during the Middle Ages in Europe and again during the early 20th century. In recent years, it has seen renewed interest and has been steadily increasing in popularity. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name reached its highest rank ever in 2016, when it was the 573rd most popular girl's name. Overall, Cecilia is a name with a rich history and meaningful origin that continues to appeal to parents looking for a distinctive yet significant name for their daughters.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Cecila since 1880

Total births
804
Total since 1880
Peak year
1970
18 births
in 2022
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years