Zilly

Zilly is a female first name that is regarded as a diminutive of Cecilia, a variant of the name Caecilia. This name has its roots in the ancient Roman family name Caecilius. Historically, the name has often been associated with the meaning "the one descended from the Caecilians."

What does the name Zilly mean?

Zilly is considered a diminutive of Cecilia, which in turn is a variant of the name Caecilia, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius. Originally, the name meant "the one descended from the Caecilians." However, a folk etymological reinterpretation later took place, so it is often translated today as "the little blind one," "the blind one," "the blinded one," or "the one-eyed one." These meanings derive from the Latin adjective caecus, which means "blind," "blinded," or "one-eyed." Other shortened forms of the name include Cille, Cilia, Cilja, Cilya, Cilla, Cilli, Cilly, Zilli, Zilla, and Zillah. The name became famous through Saint Cecilia, a noblewoman from Rome who, along with her husband Valerian, his brother Tiburtius, and a Roman soldier named Maximus, suffered martyrdom under Emperor Alexander Severus.

Where does the name Zilly come from?

The name Zilly has Latin roots and means "the one descended from the Caecilians." The Latin word caecus stands for "blind," "one-eyed," and "blinded."

How do you pronounce Zilly?

The name Zilly has a bright, two-syllable sound. It is pronounced as "Zil-ly" [ˈzɪli] and begins with a voiced sibilant that immediately captures attention. The final part "-ly" sounds like a long "i" and provides a gentle finish. Overall, Zilly conveys a lively and friendly impression - playful, clear, and rhythmic.

When is the name day of Zilly?

The name day for Zilly is celebrated on November 22.

Popularity

In Germany, Zilly is a rather rare first name. Currently, it ranks 5,884th in the list of the most common female first names. In the last ten years, Zilly has been given as a first name fewer than 10 times, placing it 11,442nd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, the name is ranked 13,070th. In 2024, Zilly achieved its best rank of 5,884 in Germany. In the last 10 years, the name has rarely been used as a first name.

Similar first names

Famous people

• Zilly the Sorceress (children's book character)