Cecilia
/səˈsɪl.i.ə/noun
A feminine given name from Latin, famously borne by Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
Did you know?Saint Cecilia’s name became linked to music and spiritual devotion in Christian tradition, even though the ancient Roman family name itself likely came from a root meaning “blind.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Caecilius / Caecilia
“A Roman family name, likely from caecus, meaning “blind.””
Classical Latin
Latin
caecus
“Blind; dark; sightless.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Sancta Caecilia
“Saint Cecilia, a Christian martyr whose cult spread widely in Europe.”
Middle Ages
Latin / Old French
Cecile / Cecilia
“A personal name adopted through Christian tradition.”
Modern English
English
Cecilia
“A feminine given name.”