Cecilia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius. The surname Caecilius is believed to have been adopted by those who were born blind or had some form of visual impairment, as "caecus" means "blind" in Latin.
The name Cecilia has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. It was the name of several early Christian martyrs, including Saint Cecilia, who is said to have lived in the 2nd century Rome. According to legend, she refused to renounce her faith during a time of persecution and was ultimately put to death. Her feast day is celebrated on November 22nd.
In England, the name began to appear in records as early as the 12th century. It became particularly popular during the Middle Ages, and has remained in common use ever since. In some cases, it may have been used as a pet form of other names such as Cicely or Cecily, which are also derived from Caecilius.
Today, Cecilia is still considered a beautiful and elegant name for girls. It continues to be popular in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, where it consistently ranks among the top 1000 most commonly given female names. Variations of the name include Cecile, Cece, Cici, and Zelie.
Overall, the name Cecilia carries a rich history and cultural significance, making it an appealing choice for parents looking to give their daughter a name with Latin roots and enduring appeal.
The name Cecilia has been a popular choice for parents in the United States for over a century, with a significant increase in its popularity since the late 20th century.
According to the data provided, there were 44 births with the name Cecilia in the year 1880. This number fluctuated slightly over the next few years, ranging from a low of 37 births in 1882 to a high of 63 births in 1884.
However, it was not until the early 20th century that the name began to gain significant popularity. In 1912, there were 453 births with the name Cecilia, and this number continued to rise steadily over the next few decades. By 1946, there were 802 births with the name, and by 1957, there were 1057 births.
The late 20th century saw a significant spike in the popularity of the name Cecilia. In 1991, there were 965 births with the name, and this number continued to rise steadily over the next decade. By 2001, there were 1171 births with the name, and by 2011, there were 1317 births.
The popularity of the name Cecilia has continued to grow in recent years, with a total of 2094 births recorded in 2021. This is a significant increase from the previous year's total of 1860 births.
Overall, the name Cecilia has shown a consistent pattern of growth in popularity over the past century, with a significant spike in its popularity since the late 20th century. Despite fluctuations in its popularity over time, it remains a popular choice for parents in the United States today.