Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Shelia since 1915
Babies named Shelia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 24 |
| 1920s | 147 |
| 1930s | 384 |
| 1940s | 4,013 |
| 1950s | 16,752 |
| 1960s | 18,444 |
| 1970s | 5,842 |
| 1980s | 1,353 |
| 1990s | 504 |
| 2000s | 190 |
| 2010s | 93 |
| 2020s | 34 |
Meaning & origin
Shelia is a spelling variant of Sheila, itself the English version of the Irish Síle. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1915, but it saw its greatest popularity during the mid-20th century, peaking in 1962. Since then, it has declined steadily, falling out of the top 1000 by 1985. Despite its rarity today, Shelia retains a connection to Irish heritage and a sound that feels both vintage and approachable. The trajectory of the name reflects broader trends in American naming, where the 1960s marked the height of many now-retro names. Without a number ranking or top states to draw from, Shelia remains a name with a clear history but a quiet present.
Shelia is a phonetic variant of Sheila, the Anglicized form of the Irish name Síle, which derives from the Latin name Caelia, meaning 'blind'. The name was borne by an early Irish saint, and its popularity in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora was bolstered by the veneration of Saint Síle. In the 20th century, the spelling Shelia became more common in the United States, particularly during its peak in the 1960s.
Where Shelia 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: Shel, Lee, Lia
Sibling names for Shelia
Names that share Shelia's style, for a brother or sister.
