Cilly
Fact sheet
- Name
- Cilly
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Cilly is considered a Dutch short form of Cecilia, which in turn is a variant of Cäcilia. This name has its roots in the ancient Roman family Caecilius. Historically, the name meant "the one descended from the family of the Caecilii."
What does the name Cilly mean?
Cilly is regarded as a short form of Cecilia, which is a variant of Cäcilia. The origins of the name lie in the ancient Roman family Caecilius. Originally, Cilly was associated with "the one descended from the family of the Caecilii". However, the meaning was later folk-etymologically reinterpreted and is now known as "the blind", "the blinded", and "the one-eyed". The name derives from the Latin adjective caecus, which means "blind", "blinded", and "one-eyed". Other shortened forms of the name include Cille, Cilia, Cilja, Cilya, Cilla, Cilli, Zilli, Zilly, Zilla, and Zillah. The name gained prominence through Saint Cecilia, a noblewoman from Rome who, along with her husband Valerian, his brother Tiburtius, and the Roman soldier Maximus, suffered martyrdom under Emperor Alexander Severus. A well-known bearer of this name is television presenter Cilly Dartell.
Where does the name Cilly come from?
The name Cilly has Latin roots and means "the one descended from the family of the Caecilii". The Latin word caecus stands for "blind", "one-eyed", and "blinded". This name is also common in English and Dutch.
How do you pronounce Cilly?
Cilly has a lively, two-syllable sound. The pronunciation "Zil-li" [ˈzɪli] is characterized by the bright initial letter. The short i sounds provide clarity and agility to the name. The y at the end gives Cilly a modern and informal touch, making the name playful and youthful - fresh, light, and likable.
When is the name day of Cilly?
The name day for Cilly is celebrated on November 22.
Popularity
Cilly is a rather rare name in Germany. In 2022, it ranked 5,539th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2010, reaching 2,348th place. In the last ten years, Cilly has been given as a first name fewer than 10 times, resulting in an 8,310th place in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 7,669th.
Nicknames & pet names
Cill
Famous people
- Cilly Aussem (German tennis player)
- Cilly Feindt (German actress)
Frequently asked questions about the name Cilly
What is the origin of the name Cilly?
Cilly has Latin roots and derives from Cecilia, which is a variant of Cäcilia. The name originally refers to the ancient Roman family of the Caecilii.
What does the name Cilly mean?
The name is often associated with "the one descended from the family of the Caecilii". Due to folk-etymological reinterpretations, it is also linked to "the blind", "the blinded", or "the one-eyed".
How popular is the name Cilly?
Cilly is a rare but still well-known name used in various countries, including Germany, England, and the Netherlands. Prominent bearers like television presenter Cilly Dartell contribute to the name's recognition.