Holding steady.
Popularity of Sheela since 1943
Babies named Sheela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 43 |
| 1950s | 105 |
| 1960s | 115 |
| 1970s | 138 |
| 1980s | 183 |
| 1990s | 74 |
| 2000s | 16 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Sheela is a name of Sanskrit origin that has been used in India for centuries, though its popularity in the United States has fluctuated. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1943 and reached its peak rank in 1988, the year it was most given to baby girls. Since then, its usage has remained stable but infrequent, with no recent surge in popularity. The name is rarely found in the top 1000, but it carries cultural significance for families with Indian heritage. Despite its low frequency, Sheela retains a classic sound and a positive meaning related to character and virtue.
Sheela is derived from the Sanskrit word shila, meaning 'character' or 'conduct,' and also refers to the goddess Parvati. The name has been in use in India for centuries and was popularized in the West partly through the British Raj. Its spelling variant Sheila is more common in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shee, Sheel
Sibling names for Sheela
Names that share Sheela's style, for a brother or sister.
