"heavenly"
Origin: Irish (via Síle)
Language: Irish
Sheila
Pronunciation: [ sh-EEL-uh ]
Does Sheila flow with your last name?
A classic Irish name with saintly musical legacy
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Meaning & Origin
"blind (saint's epithet)"
Origin: Latin (Caecilia)
Language: Latin
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Things to Know About This Name
- In Australian English, 'sheila' is informal/slang for a woman or girl; may feel dated in some contexts
The Story of Sheila
Sheila is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, which itself is a Gaelicization of the Latin name Cecilia, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius, related to 'caecus' meaning 'blind.' Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians. The name Síle/Sheila has been used in Ireland for centuries and became widely popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
Sheila peaked in popularity in the 1950s–60s in the UK, US, and Australia. In Australia, 'sheila' became common slang for any woman or girl, which has given the name a complex cultural double-meaning that has contributed to its decline. A 1970 Roy Black and Anita German song 'Schön ist es, auf der Welt zu sein' further cemented it in German pop culture.
In Ireland, Sheila/Síle is a name with deep Gaelic roots and religious significance through Saint Cecilia. The 'Sheela na gig' figures — carved stone images found on medieval churches throughout Ireland — share the same name, though unrelated in etymology.
Historical Record
Sheila first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 189,734 babies have been named Sheila in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Sheila is past its peak , currently ranked #2,010 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians
- In Australian slang, 'sheila' is a common informal term for a woman
- Sheela na gig are carved stone figures found on medieval churches in Ireland and Britain
Sheila in Other Languages
Irish
Síle
Latin
Caecilia
German
Cäcilia
Italian
Cecilia
Spanish
Cecilia
Popularity Over Time
#2,010
Current Rank
Peaked 1963
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Sheila
S
Sheila E.
Musician
1957
American singer, songwriter, and drummer known for 'The Glamorous Life'; longtime collaborator with Prince
S
Sheila Scott
Explorer
1922
British aviator who was the first person to fly solo over the North Pole in a light aircraft
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Compare Sheila with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,010
- Total SSA Count
- 97
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Australian English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Sheil
Lee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Australian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Australian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Sheila
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Sheila is also used as a boy name, ranked #11692.
View Sheila as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sheila
What does the name Sheila mean?
"heavenly" (from Irish (via Síle)). "blind (saint's epithet)" (from Latin (Caecilia)). Sheila is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, which itself is a Gaelicization of the Latin name Cecilia, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius, related to 'caecus' meaning 'blind.' Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians. The name Síle/Sheila has been used in Ireland for centuries and became widely popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Sheila?
Sheila has Irish (via Síle), Latin (Caecilia), Irish, Australian, English, and American origins. In Irish (via Síle), it means "heavenly". In Latin (Caecilia), it means "blind (saint's epithet)".
Is Sheila a boy or girl name?
Sheila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2010. As a boy name, it is ranked #11692. Sheila is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Sheila?
Sheila is pronounced sh-EEL-uh.
How popular is the name Sheila?
Sheila is currently ranked #2010 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Sheila?
Common nicknames for Sheila include Sheil and Lee.
What are good middle names for Sheila?
Popular middle name pairings include Sheila Marie, Sheila Ann, Sheila Kay, Sheila Frances, Sheila Elizabeth, Sheila Catherine, and Sheila Rose.
What are good sibling names for Sheila?
Names that pair well with Sheila as siblings include Bridget, Colleen, Maureen, Patrick, Declan, Siobhan, and Kathleen.
How many syllables does Sheila have?
Sheila has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Sheila a common or rare name?
Sheila is an uncommon name, ranked #2010 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Sheila?
Are there other spellings for Sheila?
Related spellings include Sheily.
About the Name Sheila
Sheila is a girl name with Irish, Australian, English, and American origins . The name means "heavenly" in Irish (via Síle) .
Is Sheila a boy or girl name? Sheila is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,010 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #11,692. Sheila is more commonly used as a girl name.
Sheila is currently ranked #2,010 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Sheila has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-EEL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Sheila include Sheil and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Sheila include Sheily . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis