Holding steady.
Popularity of Cheyla since 1985
Babies named Cheyla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 18 |
| 1990s | 113 |
| 2000s | 155 |
| 2010s | 38 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cheyla is a modern American respelling of Sheila, first recorded in 1985. It reached its peak usage in 2006, though it has always remained rare, never ranking in the top 1000. The name follows a pattern of phonetic creativity common in the late 20th century, blending the familiar 'Shay-' sound with the popular '-la' ending. While not tied to any specific region in the U.S., its trajectory has been stable, reflecting a niche but enduring appeal among parents seeking a distinctive, melodic alternative to more common names like Shayla or Sheila.
Cheyla appears to be a modern American respelling of Sheila, itself the English form of the Irish name Síle, derived from Cecilia. Cecilia is a feminine form of the Roman family name Caecilius, which is ultimately from Latin 'caecus' meaning 'blind'. This spelling variant emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by phonetic creativity and the fashionable '-la' suffix.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chey, Chey-Chey
Sibling names for Cheyla
Names that share Cheyla's style, for a brother or sister.
