Sheila

Pronunciation: [ sh-EEL-uh ]

Girl Name #2,010 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A classic Irish name with saintly musical legacy

Irish Australian English American

Vintage Classic Traditional Gentle Retro

Meaning & Origin

"heavenly"

Origin: Irish (via Síle)

Language: Irish

"blind (saint's epithet)"

Origin: Latin (Caecilia)

Language: Latin

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.

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

Famous People Named Sheila

Sheila E.

Musician

1957

American singer, songwriter, and drummer known for 'The Glamorous Life'; longtime collaborator with Prince

Sheila Scott

Explorer

1922

British aviator who was the first person to fly solo over the North Pole in a light aircraft

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

Sheily #4078

Common Nicknames

Sheil Lee

Pairs Well With

Sheila Marie Sheila Ann Sheila Kay Sheila Frances Sheila Elizabeth Sheila Catherine Sheila Rose

Sibling Names

Bridget Colleen Maureen Patrick Declan Siobhan Kathleen

Also a Boy Name

Sheila is also used as a boy name, ranked #11692.

View Sheila as a boy name →

Similar Names

Lela Lila Laila Lilah Nila Leilah Leela Neila

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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.

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.