What do you think of when you think of Cecily

[goldenfoliage]

My first thought is that Cecily was medieval princess
daughter of William of Normandy and sister-in-law to Henry VII

when I think of Cecily I think of medieval times, of medieval tapestries and medieval English field with sunshine on it

second thing I think of is Saint Cecilia, the patron of musicians, but not because I'm religious, but because it's so rare name where I'm from

I also think of meaning "blind" I think of Saint Lucia (common Saint where I'm from) holding the plater with her eyes - this was iconographic when I was a kid, my gradma had some portrait in such manner.

another thing I think of is that ceci is chickpea in Italy... they got calling chickpea chocolate cookies Cecile.

What do you think of when you think of Cecily or Cecilia?

I think of a girl I used to work with who was called Cicely. If anyone ever called her CEcily she would bark at them "my name is CISSSSelly, not CESSSSilly!"

I think it's a lovely, fresh-sounding name. The (female) narrator of Rumer Godden's coming-of-age novel The Greengage Summer is called Cecil, but I've always imagined it to be short for Cecily rather than Cecilia (which instantly has me humming, "you're breaking my heart").

Also, there's Cece, the girls' neighbour and friend in What Katy Did. So that could be a nick name!

"Ceci" (Italian word for chickpeas) is pronounced "Chechi" so would not be remotely confused with "Cecily" if "Cecily" was pronounced according to standard English phonics rules.

I initially thought if a herb, but that is Cicely.

Both are nice names.

I also think of Cecily Neville! I love this name it feels bright and summery.

Nightmare if she has a lisp 🤣

Actually I've changed my mind, Cicely is absolutely lovely.

It means 'blind'.

The Wars of the Roses and a series of proud and capable women

I like Cecily. Was there one in Mallory Towers or St Clare's?

Cicily Mary Barker- beautiful illustrations of flower fairies

I am reminded of someone I knew as a child, who did some lovely sculpture. Thank you OP for leading me to a happy memory.

Posh

Old lady.

Much prefer Celia.

She's called Cicely - I think it's the ancestor who's Cecily. I'll have to re-read it and see. But yes, it looks like Tissie is a nickname from Cicely in that strange English way that turns Margaret into Peggy and such like!

I’d think of the same royal Cecily

and St Cecelia / music

I like both

Well this has explained to me why my first thought was ‘flower fairies’ when I read the title of this thread! I used to love those books!

Absolutely amazing woman born in 1900 who used to live opposite to us when I was a child.

Always used to encourage us to travel as much as possible before we reached 21.

My nana

The island of Sicily

I think of a pale and delicate Victorian child. One who’s possibly consumptive. Sorry op that’s not very positive.

i don’t know anyone by that name, but it conjures up a strong, confident woman, who may be slightly quirky. Maybe an academic, or author, or art historian. Someone who is lots of fun to be with.

Same as you really. Its a good name due for a revival.

I like it. It reminds me of another Rumer Godden - In This House of Brede, which I love.

I love it, it's one of my favourites.