Sheila

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Sheila

Gender Girl
Origin Celtic
Letters 6
Syllables 2
Pronunciation SHEE-lah

Sheila, which has 6 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Sheila

From the name cecilia

Sheila is a name of Irish origin derived from the Gaelic name Síle, which means “blind”. It can also be interpreted as “woman of the fairy palace”, “God’s will”, “blind one”, or “noble maiden”.

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Meaning From the name cecilia
Origin Celtic
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #990 in 2007 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 60s name

Background & History of The Name Sheila

Sheila is a popular feminine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name Síle, which is the Irish form of the English name Cecilia. The name Sheila gained widespread popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Ireland and English-speaking countries.

The name Sheila has several possible meanings. It is often associated with meanings such as "heavenly" or "divine." This could be related to its connection with the name Cecilia, which is derived from the Latin word "caecus" meaning "blind," but also refers to the way Sheila sounds like "shee-lah," which is similar to the Irish word for "blind." Additionally, Sheila can also mean "woman of the forest" or "humble" in some cases.

Sheila has been used in literature and popular culture throughout history. In the world of literature, one notable character named Sheila is Sheila Birling from the play "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley. In popular music, the name Sheila has been featured in various songs, including the popular 1958 hit "Sheila" by Tommy Roe.

The name Sheila continues to be popular today, often used in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is seen as a timeless and classic name that exudes elegance and femininity. There are also various variations of the name Sheila, such as Shelia, Sheelah, Sheilagh, and Shelagh, each with its own unique spellings and pronunciations.

In conclusion, Sheila is a beloved name with Irish roots that has remained popular throughout generations. With its rich history and various interpretations, Sheila is a name that carries a sense of grace and beauty.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Sheila over the years.

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