Declining since 1985, #2,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Sheila since 1907
Babies named Sheila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 33 |
| 1910s | 388 |
| 1920s | 1,853 |
| 1930s | 10,958 |
| 1940s | 35,740 |
| 1950s | 70,174 |
| 1960s | 74,078 |
| 1970s | 26,509 |
| 1980s | 9,541 |
| 1990s | 4,646 |
| 2000s | 2,868 |
| 2010s | 1,349 |
| 2020s | 637 |
Meaning & origin
Sheila, an Irish anglicization of Síle, reached its peak popularity in the United States in 1963, when it ranked among the top names for girls. In 2025, it ranked 2,645, with approximately 1 in 24,727 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has been on a downward trend since 1985, reflecting a shift away from mid-century favorites. Its highest concentration of use has historically been in states like California, New York, and Texas. Despite its decline, Sheila retains a distinct Irish heritage and a classic sound that appeals to those seeking a name with roots in Gaelic tradition.
Sheila is an anglicization of Síle, the Irish Gaelic form of the Latin name Cecilia, which is derived from the Latin word 'caecus' meaning 'blind'. The name entered common English usage in the 19th century, particularly among Irish immigrant communities. It peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century, especially in the United States during the 1960s.
Where Sheila is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shea, Sheily, Lee
Sibling names for Sheila
Names that share Sheila's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Bridget, Colleen, Maureen, Kathleen, Eileen, Leanne, Shauna, Cathleen, Maura, Noreen, Colene, Coreen, Deedra, Diedra, Eilene, Kathlyn, Norene, Tresa, Collene, Donelda, Doreene, Duana, Eileene, Genine, Gerianne, Ileene, Jeneen, Kathleene, Lorriane, Maurene, Sharene, Shelita, Sheran, Sherese, Cathaleen, Debria, Ileane, Katherleen, Katleen, Michaeleen, Moreen, Shellia, Correen, Artina, Athleen, Caleen, Cathlin, Colleene, Katheen, Kathelene, Kathleena, Marsheila, Neeta, Norinne
Brothers: Patrick, Sean, Michael, Kevin, Brian, Glen, Delane, Lamar, Kerwin, Donel, Lenell, Sherard, Duanne, Duwane
Names like Sheila
Names whose popularity has moved with Sheila's over the last 50 years.
