Meaning and Origin of the Name Cecil

The name Cecil is a boy’s name that may be derived from the Old Welsh “Seisyllt.”

Those curious about the meaning of Cecil as a name will be pleased to know that it means “blind” or “dim to one’s own beauty.”

Popularity

Anyone curious about the popularity of Cecil as a first name among boys should be ready to be disappointed. Cecil appears nowhere under the most current census’ listing of the top 100 most popular boys names.

Popular and Famous People Named Cecil

• Sir Cecil Beaton, CBE. A 20th Century Renaissance man who pursued many different artistic pursuits.
• Cecil Harmsworth King. A 20th Century media mogul and one-time director for the Bank of England.
• Cecil Rhodes PC. A mining magnate who was responsible for founding the colony of Rhodesia, now known as the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
• Cecil Charles Sandford. A British FIM Grand Prix motorcyclist and sole surviving champion across all cycle classes from the 1950s.
• Cecil was the name given to a lion in Zimbabwe, who was being studies by the University of Oxford.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Welsh boys’ names.