Sheilah

“From the fairy fort, blessed” — Associated with beauty and charm within Irish culture

Ireland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1456US 2023

744Births / yr

→Stable

2.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 192400.01% of births at peak

What does Sheilah mean and where does it come from?

Sheilah is a variant of the name 'Sheila', which is of Irish origin and derived from the Gaelic 'Síle'. The name is commonly associated with beauty and charm within Irish culture. It became especially popular in the United States during the 20th century, reflecting both Irish heritage and American c

Cultural significance

Sheilah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the fairy fort, blessed.

Peak popularity

Reached #665 in 1955 — currently #1456 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Sheilah?

Sheilah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sheilah Grace

How popular is Sheilah right now?

Holding steady — currently #1456 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1935–2023#1456 · Top 1.1%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1456	744	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1461	724	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1466	694	▲ up 11898 · +11467% births
2000	#13364	6	▼ down 2996 · -14% births
1990	#10368	7	▼ down 5214 · -50% births
1985	#5154	14	▲ up 476 · +17% births
1980	#5630	12	▼ down 3046 · -60% births
1975	#2584	30	▼ down 696 · -35% births
1970	#1888	46	▲ up 21 · +24% births
1965	#1909	37	▼ down 448 · -35% births
1960	#1461	57	▼ down 796 · -71% births
1955	#665	198	▲ up 557 · +241% births
1950	#1222	58	▲ up 37 · +41% births
1945	#1259	41	▲ up 216 · +46% births
1940	#1475	28	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sheilah

Best Year1955Rank #665

Peak Count744

Average Rank#3335

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1935 - 202316 years

The story of Sheilah

Sheilah entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 2,285 total births recorded, Sheilah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2003 in 1935 to #1456 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Sheilah in 1955:

Mary Deborah Linda Debra Susan

Sheilah by decade

Sheilah peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	5
1930s	100
1940s	414
1950s ★	884
1960s	416
1970s	279
1980s	107
1990s	55
2000s	25

💎With 2,285 total births, Sheilah is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Sheilah?

Common

SheSheilSheilieSheilyIlah

What names sound and feel like Sheilah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sheilah also consider these

Sheelah

Irish · Secondary form of

Sheilagh

Ireland · heavenly

Shelah

Hebrew · To be quiet,

Shailah

Hebrew · from the mountains

Shilah

Hebrew · Hebrew

Seilah

Hebrew · סֵילוֹעַ - 'to

Shielah

American · the one who

Shaelah

American · Irish

Common questions about the name Sheilah

What does the name Sheilah mean?

Sheilah means "From the fairy fort, blessed" — 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 Sheilah?

Sheilah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Sheilah?

Sheilah 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.

Is Sheilah a common or rare name?

Sheilah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Sheilah?

Sheilah naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.