Cécile
/se.sil/feminine
The English name Cecilia is translated into French as Cécile.
Cécile is the French female given name that corresponds to the English name Cecilia.
Meaning: female given name (name)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use the name Cecilia, the French equivalent is Cécile.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /se.sil/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, the diminutive Cécile is rarely shortened to 'Ceci' in the way English speakers might shorten Cecilia, as ceci is the common French word for 'this'.
- The name Cécile shares a linguistic root with the French word cécité, meaning 'blindness'. This stems from the Latin 'caecus', which is the same origin as the English word 'caecum' in anatomy.
- In France, the name Cécile is often associated with Saint Cecilia, who is considered the patron saint of music and musicians.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais vous présenter CécileI would like to introduce you to Cecilia
- Cécile vient à la soiréeCecilia is coming to the party
- C'est Cecilia, mais en français, c'est CécileIt's Cecilia, but in French, it's Cécile
- Je connais une femme qui s'appelle Cécile.I know a woman named Cécile.
- Cécile est une excellente étudiante.Cécile is an excellent student.
- Est-ce que Cécile vient à la fête ?Is Cécile coming to the party?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- LucasTu as des nouvelles de Cécile ?Do you have any news about Cécile?
- ChloéOui, elle a déménagé à Lyon.Yes, she moved to Lyon.
- LucasCécile va bien là-bas ?Is Cécile doing well there?
- ChloéElle est très heureuse dans son nouveau travail.She is very happy in her new job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cecilia” translations and entries Cécile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
