Shelagh

“From the islet by the river”

Ireland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#857US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

510All-time births

📅 Since 194200

How to pronounce Shelagh

shee-lə

/shee-lə/ · · 2 syllables

“From the islet by the river”

Ireland origin · Girl name

What does Shelagh mean and where does it come from?

Shelagh is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, derived from the Gaelic name for 'a little island'. The name has historical roots in Irish culture, and while it is primarily used in Ireland, it has also gained prevalence in the UK. It was first used in the medieval period, with modern variatio

Cultural significance

Shelagh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the islet by the river.

Peak popularity

Reached #2115 in 1950 — currently #857 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Shelagh?

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

Shelagh Grace

How popular is Shelagh right now?

Holding steady — currently #857 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2023#857 · Top 0.63%

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#857	1,343	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#862	1,323	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#867	1,293	▲ up 7157 · +12830% births
1990	#8024	10	▼ down 281 · +25% births
1985	#7743	8	▲ up 1648 · +33% births
1980	#9391	6	▼ down 3353 · -25% births
1970	#6038	8	▼ down 2817 · -50% births
1965	#3221	16	▲ up 1436 · +78% births
1960	#4657	9	▼ down 1595 · -40% births
1955	#3062	15	▼ down 947 · -32% births
1950	#2115	22	▲ up 2345 · +267% births
1945	#4460	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shelagh

Best Year2023Rank #857

Peak Count1,343

Average Rank#4275

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1945 - 202312 years

The story of Shelagh

Shelagh entered American naming records in 1942 and has been in use for over 82 years. With 510 total births recorded, Shelagh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4460 in 1945 to #857 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shelagh in 1950:

Linda Mary Patricia Barbara Susan

Shelagh by decade

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

Decade	Births
1940s	36
1950s	114
1960s ★	178
1970s	80
1980s	64
1990s	38

💎Shelagh has only 510 total recorded births since 1942 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shelagh?

DANISH

CilleSiljeSille

DUTCH

CillaSilke

ENGLISH

CeceCeliaCissySissieSissy

FINNISH

Silja

What names sound and feel like Shelagh?

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

Sheilagh

Ireland · heavenly

Sheelagh

Ireland · the goddess of

Shelah

Hebrew · To be quiet,

Shaleigh

Ireland · Irish

Leagh

Ireland · With a pleasant

Orlagh

Ireland · Orlaith

Bronagh

Ireland · sorrowful, sad

Ellagh

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Shelagh written in other languages?

What are the boy versions of Shelagh?

Caecilius ANCIENT ROMAN Cecil ENGLISH Cecilio ITALIAN Cecilio PORTUGUESE Cecilio SPANISH

Common questions about the name Shelagh

What does the name Shelagh mean?

Shelagh means "From the islet by the river" — 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 Shelagh?

Shelagh is currently ranked #857 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 Shelagh?

Shelagh 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 Shelagh a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Shelagh?

Shelagh 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.