Silje is a Norwegian and Danish feminine given name, originating as a diminutive of Cecilia. The name is predominantly used in Norway and Denmark, where it has maintained steady popularity.EtymologyThe root name Cecilia is the Latinate feminine form of the Roman family name Caecilius, derived from Latin caecus meaning "blind". Saint Cecilia was a semi-legendary 2nd or 3rd-century martyr who refused to worship Roman gods and was eventually beheaded; she later became the patron saint of music and musicians. The name became common in the Christian world during the Middle Ages and was brought to England by the Normans, where it took the form Cecily. The Latinate form Cecilia gained usage in the 18th century.Notable BearersSilje Nergaard (born 1966), Norwegian jazz vocalist and songwriterSilje Norendal (born 1993), Norwegian snowboarderSilje Solberg (born 1990), Norwegian handball goalkeeperSilje Jørgensen (born 1975), former Norwegian footballer and Olympic championSilje Reinåmo (born 1982), Norwegian actressSilje Nes (born 1980), Norwegian multi-instrumentalistAmong other well-known bearers are handball player Silje Bolset, orienteering champion Silje Ekroll Jahren, environmentalist Silje Lundberg, and Silje Redergård, a Norwegian murder victim whose case drew public attention.Variants and Related FormsIn Denmark, related diminutives include Cille and Sille. Across languages, the name appears as Caecilia (Ancient Roman), Cecília (Slovak), Cecilija (Sorbian), Cecílie (Czech), Cecilie (Czech and Scandinavian), and Cecilia (Swedish, among others).Meaning: Diminutive of Cecilia, ultimately from Latin caecus ("blind")Origin: Norwegian and Danish diminutiveType: Short form of a classic saint nameUsage Regions: Norway, Denmark