Sheilah

Meaning & origin

Sheilah is a variant spelling of Sheila, an Irish name that enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1924 and reached its peak rank in 1955, though it never broke into the top 1000 nationally. Since then, usage has declined sharply; by 2025, the name is given to fewer than five baby girls per year and no longer appears in the Social Security Administration's annual lists. Despite its low current popularity, Sheilah remains a recognizable Irish classic, often associated with mid-century Irish American families. The top states for the name in its heyday included New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois, reflecting its ties to Irish immigrant communities. Today, parents who choose Sheilah may appreciate its vintage charm and straightforward pronunciation, which has made it a stable, if quiet, presence in American naming.

Sheilah is a variant spelling of Sheila, itself an Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, which is a Gaelic adaptation of the Latin name Cecilia, meaning 'blind'. The name became common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, especially in the 20th century. Its popularity peaked in the 1950s, but it has since declined in usage.