Cecily is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Latin name Caecilia, which means "blind". The name was popularized by Saint Cecelia, a martyr and patron saint of music in the Catholic Church.
The name Cecily first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, but it did not become widespread until the 19th century. It gained popularity as a Victorian era name and has since been used consistently throughout the English-speaking world.
Cecily is often associated with simplicity and elegance. It is a classic name that can be found in many variations such as Cecilie, Cecila, Ceceil, or even Cissy as a nickname. Despite its popularity, Cecily remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their daughter a name with a rich history and meaningful significance.
The name Cecily has seen a fascinating journey in popularity over the past century in the United States. From 1911 to 1967, the number of births with the name Cecily remained relatively low, fluctuating between 5 and 44 births per year.
However, starting in 1968, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Cecily. The highest point during this period occurred in 1973, when there were 114 births. This trend continued into the early 1980s, with the number of births reaching a peak of 236 in 1988.
The 1990s saw another surge in popularity for the name Cecily. The highest point during this decade was in 1995, with 143 births. This popularity has remained consistent into the new millennium, with the number of births fluctuating between 87 and 243 per year from 2000 to 2023.
In total, there have been 8,401 births in the United States with the name Cecily since 1911. This data demonstrates the interesting trend of a name that was once quite rare becoming increasingly popular over time. It's always fascinating to see how names ebb and flow in popularity throughout history.