Cecilia
Cecilia Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/sɛ.ˈsiː.li.ə/
Meaning of Cecilia: Cecilia derives from the Latin family name Caecilia, feminine of Caecilius, from caecus (blind). The Caecilii were a prominent Roman plebeian clan; the name's literal meaning of "blind" was likely not felt as negative -- Roman clan names often derived from physical characteristics without pejorative intent.
Saint Cecilia (died circa 230 CE) is the patron saint of music, musicians, and composers -- one of the most celebrated saints in the Catholic calendar. According to hagiographic tradition, she was a Roman noblewoman who sang to God in her heart as she was being married against her will.
Her feast day, November 22nd, is celebrated globally as the feast day of music.
What Does Cecilia Mean? Origin & Etymology
Henry Purcell, George Frederic Handel, Benjamin Britten, and dozens of other composers wrote Ode to Saint Cecilia settings. The Cecilian Movement of the nineteenth century sought to reform Catholic church music in her honor. Her name has been set to music more often than almost any other given name.
Simon and Garfunkel's 1970 song "Cecilia" -- which opens with the unforgettable "Cecilia, you're breaking my heart" -- brought the name to the widest possible popular audience and gave it a playful, irresistible musical association that has sustained it across generations.
Cecilia ranked 88th for girls in the US in 2024. It has climbed from rank 241 in 2000 to inside the top 100 in 2019, one of the stronger vintage revivals among classic saints' names. Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
How Popular Is Cecilia?
Numerology & Symbolism of Cecilia
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Cecilia – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cecilia
What does the name Cecilia mean?
Cecilia means "from the Caecilii family" or "blind," from the Latin clan name Caecilia, from caecus (blind). Roman clan names often derived from physical characteristics without negative intent. As a personal name, Cecilia's meaning is entirely overshadowed by its association with the patron saint of music.
Who is Saint Cecilia?
Saint Cecilia (died circa 230 CE) is the patron saint of music, musicians, and composers. According to tradition, she sang to God in her heart during her unwanted marriage ceremony. Her feast day, November 22nd, is celebrated as a feast of music. Henry Purcell and George Frederic Handel both wrote famous compositions in her honor.
How popular is Cecilia in the United States?
Cecilia ranked 88th for girls in the US in 2024. It has climbed from rank 241 in 2000 to inside the top 100 in 2019 -- one of the stronger vintage revivals among classic saints' names. It is one of few names to cross from the top 300 to the top 100 in under 25 years.
Is Cecilia connected to the Simon and Garfunkel song?
Simon and Garfunkel's 1970 song "Cecilia" -- from the album Bridge Over Troubled Water -- is one of the duo's most recognized songs. Its joyful, spontaneous sound and the repeated "Cecilia, you're breaking my heart" made it one of the most famous name-songs in pop history. The song has kept Cecilia musically vivid for over 50 years.
What are names similar to Cecilia?
Names in the same classic saints' name category include Felicity, Agatha, Perpetua, and Scholastica. Names with similar four-syllable feminine elegance include Valentina, Evangeline, and Seraphina. The shorter form Cece is a common nickname. Cecily is the medieval English form of the same name.