Celia

If you remove the first syllable from classic Cecilia, you get what sounds like its nickname form. However, Celia has a different meaning and history.

Celia is the feminization of the Roman family name Caelius, which means "heavenly" (Cecilia, in contrast, means "blind"). Despite its ancient origins, Celia emerged as an English-speaking name around the sixteenth century. It also appeared mainly in literature such as Shakespeare's 1599 play: As You Like It.

In the United States, Celia ranked among the top 200 names through 1915. It has since declined. However, its decline has been so gradual it remains near its low point in the top 1000. This would suggest classic status, except that Celia needs more historic familiarity to achieve it. Its namesakes, actors Celia Cruz and Imrie abound, both hail from the twentieth century or later. 

Celia ranks in a similar position in the English and Brazilian top 1000. It is much more common in France, Belgium, and Spain, though; Celia is a top 200 name in these countries. 

Celia is one of these names that is neither classic nor vintage. Alongside being a sweet-spot name, Celia is liquid, Shakespearean, and underused. With Cecilia on the rise and an 1880s peak, Celia has potential to rise again. 

VARIANTS:

Celie

STYLES:

Classical, Liquid, Neutral, Shakespearean, Underused

SISTERS:

Daphne, Petra, Alma, Juliet, Nina, Viola, Hope, Lucinda

BROTHERS:

Anton, Raphael, Foster, Miles, Harrison, Pierce, Conrad, Jonas

ALTERNATIVES:

Aelia, Cassia, Cecily, Celestia, Ceres, Delphine, Flavia, Vivia

FURTHER RESOURCES:

"Celia." Names, Behind the Name, 16 Nov. 2019, https://www.behindthename.com/name/celia. 

Redmond, Pamela. "Celia." Names, Nameberry, 9 Sept. 2023, https://nameberry.com/babyname/celia. 

What do you think about Celia?

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