Find out how popular the first name Cecile has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cecile by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cecile is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cecile.

The history of the first name Cecile

The given name Cecile has its origins in the Latin language, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius. The name Caecilius itself is believed to have come from the Latin word "caecus," meaning "blind." This connection suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who was visually impaired or perhaps had poor eyesight.

The name Cecile gained widespread popularity in the early days of Christianity, as it was borne by the semi-legendary Saint Cecilia, a Roman martyr from the 3rd century. According to tradition, Cecilia was a young Christian noblewoman who was martyred for her faith during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Her story and the widespread veneration of Saint Cecilia as the patron saint of music contributed significantly to the name's enduring popularity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cecile can be found in the 6th-century writings of Venantius Fortunatus, a Latin poet and hymnist. In his work, Fortunatus praises the virtues of a young woman named Cecile, further solidifying the name's association with early Christianity.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cecile. One prominent example is Cecile of Normandy (c. 1051-1126), also known as Cecilia, who was the daughter of William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda of Flanders. Another Cecile of note was Cecile Renault (1774-1794), a French revolutionary and revolutionary feminist who was executed during the Reign of Terror.

In the realm of literature, the name Cecile has been immortalized in works such as the novel "Cecile" by Theodor Fontane (1819-1898), a renowned German novelist and poet. The novel's protagonist, a young woman named Cecile, became a symbol of the changing social norms and expectations of the time.

Other notable individuals who have borne the name Cecile include Cecile Chaminade (1857-1944), a French composer and pianist who was one of the first female composers to gain international recognition, and Cecile Fatiman (1904-1983), an American artist and sculptor known for her abstract and figurative works.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cecile was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cecile, please contact us.

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