Cecil
/ˈsiːsɪl/noun
A masculine given name and surname, originally from the Roman family name Caecilius.
Did you know?Cecil comes from the Roman clan name *Caecilius*, built on Latin *caecus* meaning “blind,” the same root behind the goddess-name *Caecilia* and the old medical word *caecum*.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Caecilius
“A Roman family name (gens name), originally linked to the adjective *caecus*.”
Ancient Rome
Latin
caecus
“Blind; unable to see.”
Late Latin / Early Christian
Latin
Caecilia
“A female personal name from the same Roman family name.”
Old French
Old French
Cecile
“A personal name inherited from Latin forms.”
Middle English
English
Cecile / Cecil
“A given name and later a surname, especially in aristocratic families.”
Modern English
English
Cecil
“A masculine given name and surname.”