What does Sheila mean and where does it come from?
Sheila is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Síle, a form of the name Cecilia. The name was historically popular in Ireland and became more widespread in the United States and Australia during the 20th century. It has been used as a term of endearment in some cases. Notable people with th
Cultural significance
Sheila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the dark-haired one.
Peak popularity
Reached #50 in 1963 — currently #1083 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Sheila?
Sheila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sheila Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sheila Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sheila Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sheila Claire
French influence · crisp
Sheila Jane
Literary · strong
Sheila Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sheila right now?
Holding steady — currently #1083 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1083 | 1,117 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1088 | 1,097 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1093 | 1,067 | ▲ up 503 · +721% births |
| 2020 | #1596 | 130 | ▲ up 109 · +5% births |
| 2015 | #1705 | 124 | ▼ down 426 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #1279 | 186 | ▼ down 263 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #1016 | 240 | ▼ down 328 · -30% births |
| 2000 | #688 | 343 | ▼ down 105 · -13% births |
| 1995 | #583 | 395 | ▼ down 170 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #413 | 626 | ▼ down 162 · -38% births |
| 1985 | #251 | 1,012 | ▼ down 37 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #214 | 1,213 | ▼ down 80 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #134 | 2,099 | ▼ down 59 · -57% births |
| 1970 | #75 | 4,937 | ▼ down 25 · -38% births |
| 1965 | #50 | 7,901 | — |
The story of Sheila
Sheila entered American naming records in 1907 and has been in use for over 117 years. Its peak popularity was #50 in 1963. More than 238,894 babies have been named Sheila since 1907. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1630 in 1910 to #1083 in 2023. Sheila is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sheila in 1963:
Sheila by decade
Sheila peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 33 | |
| 1910s | 388 | |
| 1920s | 1,857 | |
| 1930s | 11,008 | |
| 1940s | 35,830 | |
| 1950s | 70,323 | |
| 1960s ★ | 74,281 | |
| 1970s | 26,601 | |
| 1980s | 9,584 | |
| 1990s | 4,645 | |
| 2000s | 2,866 | |
| 2010s | 1,348 | |
| 2020s | 130 | |
What are good nicknames for Sheila?
ENGLISH
CeceCeliaCissySissieSissy
What names sound and feel like Sheila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sheila also consider these
How is Sheila written in other languages?
Gender variants of Sheila
Common questions about the name Sheila
What does the name Sheila mean?
Sheila means "the dark-haired one" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Sheila?
Sheila is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Sheila?
Sheila originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Sheila?
Sheila is a two-syllable name pronounced SH IY1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Sheila a common or rare name?
Sheila is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.