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Cäcilia
Fact sheet
- Name
- Cäcilia
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 3
Cäcilia is a female first name that has its origins in Latin. This name is often regarded as an old German variant of Caecilia and traces back to the Roman family name Caecilius, which likely has Etruscan roots.
What does the name Cäcilia mean?
Cäcilia is a female first name of Latin origin and is considered an old spelling of Caecilia. The name traces back to the Roman family name Caecilius, whose original meaning is 'the one descended from the Caecilii.' However, the interpretation has later been altered through folk etymology, so it is now also understood as 'the blind one,' 'the blinded one,' or 'the one-eyed.' The name has its roots in the Latin word caecus, which means 'blind,' 'blinded,' 'dark,' and 'one-eyed.' Additionally, it is attributed a connection to the Latin term caelum for 'the sky,' leading to the interpretation 'the heavenly one.' Sometimes, the derivation from the Latin expression coeli lilia is used, which can be interpreted as 'the heavenly lily.' The name became particularly widespread due to the veneration of Saint Cäcilie, a martyr from the 3rd century and the patron saint of music. In Germany, Cäcilia has been used as a female first name since the 11th century. Variants include Cäcilie, Cecilia, Ceciley, Cecilya, Cecilije, Cecilija, Cecila, Cecile, and Cecily.
Where does the name Cäcilia come from?
The etymology of Cäcilia points to Latin and Roman influences, with meanings such as 'the blinded one' or 'the one-eyed.' The Latin term caecus stands for 'blind,' 'one-eyed,' 'blinded,' and 'dark.' The name is prevalent in both Old High German and modern German.
How do you pronounce Cäcilia?
The pronunciation of Cäcilia is melodic and consists of four to five syllables. In the German language, the name is typically pronounced as 'Cä-ci-li-a' [t͡sɛˈtsiːli̯a]. The bright umlaut provides a clear timbre, and the repeated vowels give the name a musical quality. Cäcilia radiates a fine, tradition-rich elegance and appears sensitive and sonorous.
When is the name day of Cäcilia?
The name day of Cäcilia is celebrated on November 22.
Popularity
Cäcilia is one of the popular first names in Germany. Currently, it ranks 1,514th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best ranking was in 1936, when it reached 95th place. In the last ten years, Cäcilia has been given as a first name about 180 times, placing it 1,701st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,381st.
Nicknames & pet names
CeCe / Celia / Cici / Cilla / Cille / Cilli / Cilly / Cä / Cäci / Cécile / Kelly / Lia / Lilli / Sally / Silli / Sily / Sisi / Sissy / Sässi / Zilly
Similar first names
Famous people
- Cäcilia Rentmeister (art historian from Germany)
- Cecelia Ahern (author)
Frequently asked questions about the name Cäcilia
What is the origin of the name Cäcilia?
Cäcilia comes from Latin and has roots in the Roman family name Caecilius. The original meaning refers to 'the one descended from the Caecilii.'
What does the name Cäcilia mean?
The name is often associated with 'the blind one' or 'the blinded one,' based on the Latin word 'caecus,' which means 'blind.' There are also positive interpretations such as 'the heavenly one' or 'the heavenly lily.'
How popular is the name Cäcilia?
Cäcilia has a long tradition in Germany and has been used since the 11th century. The veneration of Saint Cäcilie has contributed to the name's spread, making it appreciated even in modern times.