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    Sheila

    Also spelled: Cecilia, Cécile, Cecily, Sìleas

    Pronunciation: SHEE-lə

    ♀ Female
    Irish, Latin

    Meaning

    Blind; heavenly

    Origin

    Irish, Latin

    The Story Behind Sheila

    Sheila is primarily an Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, which itself is the Irish form of Cecilia. The name Cecilia is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Caecilius, meaning 'blind'. Despite this meaning, Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians, and her veneration helped popularize the name throughout Europe. The name Sheila became particularly popular in Ireland and later in English-speaking countries, especially in the 20th century.

    The association with 'heavenly' likely comes from a separate, less common interpretation or a conflation with other names or concepts. The primary etymological root through Cecilia points to 'blind'. In Australia and New Zealand, 'sheila' also became a slang term for a woman, which contributed to its cultural recognition, though this usage is distinct from its origin as a given name.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Declining
    Peak decade:1950s
    Era:Mid-century, Modern (1980s-2000s)

    Popularity Trends

    Is Sheila Right for Your Baby?

    Sheila is a Friendly, Classic name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Sheila Is Used

    Irish
    Anglo-Saxon / British

    Name Vibe

    Friendly
    Classic

    Famous People Named Sheila

    • Sheila E. (Sheila Escovedo), American percussionist and singer
    • Sheila Hancock, English actress and author
    • Sheila Jackson Lee, American politician
    • Sheila MacRae, English-American actress and singer
    • Sheila Ryan, American actress

    Alternative Spellings & Variants

    • Shiela
    • Sheilah

    Sheila in different fonts

    SheilaDancing Script
    SheilaCaveat
    SheilaSatisfy
    SheilaPacifico
    SheilaGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Sheila:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Sheila, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Traditional

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Sheila

    What does Sheila mean?

    Sheila means "Blind; heavenly". It is derived from Irish, Latin.

    What is the origin of Sheila?

    Sheila originates from Irish, Latin. Its cultural origin is Irish, Latin.

    Is Sheila a male or female name?

    Sheila is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Sheila?

    Sheila is pronounced "SHEE-lə".

    What language does Sheila come from?

    Sheila comes from Irish, Latin.

    Is Sheila a popular name?

    Sheila is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is declining.

    What are variants of Sheila?

    Variants of Sheila include Cecilia, Cécile, Cecily, Sìleas.

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