MallowbyNames

Sheilia

SHEE-lee-uh · Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Sheila, an Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, which is a form of Cecilia, meaning 'blind'.

Peak popularity
1966
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Sheilia since 1932

Babies named Sheilia per year in U.S. Social Security records.

7132019602000Most births 1966Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1930s10
1940s59
1950s111
1960s147
1970s44
1980s13
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

The name Sheilia represents a distinctive phonetic variant of the more common Sheila, which itself entered English through Irish Anglicization. First recorded in 1932, Sheilia saw its peak year of usage in 1966, aligning with a broader popularity of Irish-derived names in mid-20th century United States. Despite its peak, it has never ranked in the top 1,000 names, indicating niche usage. The trajectory has remained stable since the 1960s, with very few births in recent years. The spelling with 'ei' gives it a unique variation that sets it apart from the more traditional Sheila. Without strong ties to any particular state or cultural trend, Sheilia remains a rare choice, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with familiar sounds and Irish heritage roots.

Sheilia is likely a phonetic variant of Sheila, itself an Anglicization of the Irish Síle, derived from the Latin Cecilia, the name of a Roman saint. The name has been used in the United States since at least the early 20th century, with its peak popularity in the mid-1960s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shea, Shey, Lee

Variants: Sheila, Sheilah, Shayla, Sile

Sibling names for Sheilia

Names that share Sheilia's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Sheilia, our favorite little girl.

S is for Sheilia…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Sheilia's letter becomes Sheilia's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Sheilia's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Sheilia mean?
The meaning is uncertain, but it is generally considered a variant of Sheila, which is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle. Síle itself is a form of Cecilia, which means 'blind' in Latin.
How popular is the name Sheilia?
Sheilia has never ranked among the top 1,000 names in the United States. It was first recorded in 1932 and peaked in usage in 1966, but it is not common today.
Is Sheilia typically a girl's name?
Yes, Sheilia is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.