Celia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "caelum," which means "heaven" or "sky." The name Celia has been used throughout history, with notable figures such as the Roman poet Gaius Valerius Catullus's sister, who was named Celia.
The name Celia was also popularized in literature and art. In John Fletcher's play "Celia, the shepherdess," the main character is a shepherdess named Celia who falls in love with a disguised nobleman. Additionally, the 18th-century English poet Alexander Pope wrote an ode to his friend and patroness, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, using the pseudonym Celia.
Today, Celia remains a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet timeless name for their daughters. Its Latin origins and association with heaven give it a celestial and ethereal quality, while its historical usage in literature lends it an air of sophistication and elegance.
The name Celia has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with a total of 55,902 babies named Celia born between 1880 and 2023.
The popularity of the name Celia peaked in the early to mid-20th century. In 1914, there were 692 births registered for girls named Celia, marking the highest number of Celia births in a single year. This trend continued until the late 1950s, with over 500 births per year consistently recorded from 1947 to 1959.
However, starting from the mid-1960s, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Celia. By the end of the century, the annual birth count for this name had fallen below 200. In recent years, the popularity of Celia has seen a slight resurgence, with over 300 births registered annually between 2016 and 2023.
Overall, while the name Celia may not be among the most popular choices today, its rich history and consistent presence in American naming trends make it a notable choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their daughter.