Sheila

1. Sheila name meaning and origin

The name Sheila has its origins in Irish Gaelic, derived from the name 'Síle,' which is the Irish form of the Latin name Caecilia (Cecilia). Traditionally, Cecilia comes from the Roman family name Caecilius, which means 'blind' in Latin. As the name migrated from Latin through Gaelic, it evolved both phonetically and culturally, becoming distinctly Irish in character despite its classical roots.

Sheila gained particular prominence outside of Ireland during the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in English-speaking countries like Australia, where it became so common that 'Sheila' developed into a colloquial term for any woman. In Ireland, the name was especially popular among Catholic families, reflecting the veneration of Saint Cecilia, the patroness of musicians. The name's enduring appeal across generations speaks to its melodic quality and cultural resonance, making it a classic feminine name that bridges ancient Latin tradition with Gaelic heritage.

References:

2. Sheila name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Sheila

United States

United Kingdom

Sheila is predominantly a feminine name with roots in both the United States and the United Kingdom. While the name has a presence in these English-speaking countries, specific ranking data is not available, suggesting it may not have consistently appeared among the most popular names in recent decades.

The name Sheila has interesting cultural versatility, as it appears to be occasionally used as a masculine name in the United States as well, though this usage is less common. With Irish origins from the Gaelic name "Síle," Sheila gained particular popularity in the mid-20th century but has since become less frequently chosen for newborns in both America and Britain.

3. Variations and nicknames of Sheila

The name Sheila, with its melodious sound and Irish charm, has flourished across different cultures and languages throughout history. Originally derived from the Irish name Síle (pronounced SHEE-lah), it represents the Irish form of Cecilia, meaning 'blind' in Latin. In Australia, 'Sheila' gained popularity as a generic term for women during the early 20th century, though this usage differs from the proper name. The name has several international variants that maintain its essence while adapting to local pronunciation patterns. These include Cecilia (Latin), Sile or Síle (Irish), Sheelagh (Irish-English variant), Shelagh (Scottish variant), and Sheilah (an alternative English spelling). The Hebrew name Sheilah, though similar in pronunciation, has different origins, meaning 'question' or 'request' in Hebrew.

As with many traditional names, Sheila has inspired numerous endearing nicknames and diminutive forms used by family and friends. The most common nicknames include Sheil, Shee, Shee-shee, and Lee. Some families prefer the affectionate Sheily or Sheiley, while others opt for Shei (pronounced 'shay') for brevity. Children named Sheila might be called Lala or Lah-lah in their early years, especially by siblings who find the full name challenging to pronounce. More creative variations include Sheilabelle, Sheilaboo, and Sheilakins. Interestingly, some Sheilas adopt the nickname Celia or CeCe, acknowledging the name's connection to Cecilia. The versatility of these nicknames allows individuals to personalize their identity while maintaining connection to their given name, demonstrating how Sheila continues to evolve while honoring its rich cultural heritage.

4. Best name combinations with Sheila

Middle names that pair well with Sheila:

Sheila Rose
Sheila Grace
Sheila Claire
Sheila Elizabeth
Sheila Marie
Sheila Katherine
Sheila Victoria
Sheila Noelle
Sheila Josephine
Sheila Maeve
Sheila Diana
Sheila Elise
Sheila Celeste
Sheila Genevieve
Sheila Fiona
Sheila Juliette
Sheila Margot
Sheila Bridget
Sheila Colleen
Sheila Siobhan

Names that go well when Sheila is used as a middle name:

Alexandra Sheila
Emma Sheila
Catherine Sheila
Olivia Sheila
Violet Sheila
Isabella Sheila
Charlotte Sheila
Sophia Sheila
Eleanor Sheila
Margaret Sheila
Audrey Sheila
Claire Sheila
Amelia Sheila
Evelyn Sheila
Isabelle Sheila
Vivienne Sheila
Beatrice Sheila
Penelope Sheila
Natalie Sheila
Adeline Sheila

5. Numerology of Sheila name

In Pythagorean numerology, the name "Sheila" corresponds to specific vibrational frequencies that offer insight into various aspects of personality and life path.

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

5
S(1) + H(8) + E(5) + I(9) + L(3) + A(1) = 27 = 2+7 = 9

The Destiny Number 9 reveals your life's purpose. As a 9, you possess a humanitarian spirit and natural compassion. You're drawn to helping others and may excel in careers like teaching, counseling, healing arts, or any field with social impact. Your relationships tend to be idealistic, and you're often the one friends turn to for wisdom. You struggle when forced into rigid structures or roles that seem meaningless. At your best, you inspire others with your selflessness and vision of a better world.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

6
E(5) + I(9) + A(1) = 15 = 1+5 = 6

Your Soul Urge Number 6 reveals your inner motivations and desires. You're naturally nurturing and find fulfillment in creating harmony. In relationships, you're loyal and protective, seeking deep emotional connections. Career-wise, you thrive in environments where you can care for others—teaching, counseling, healthcare, or roles involving mentorship. Your challenge lies in avoiding martyrdom or becoming too self-sacrificing. Your greatest joy comes from building loving, secure environments for those you care about.

Personality Number:

3
S(1) + H(8) + L(3) = 12 = 1+2 = 3

The Personality Number 3 represents how you appear to others. You come across as expressive, creative, and sociable. People are drawn to your optimistic energy and communication skills. In professional settings, you excel when allowed to use your creativity and verbal abilities. In relationships, you're entertaining and engaging, bringing joy to social interactions. Your challenge is maintaining focus and following through on projects. You naturally attract opportunities for self-expression and creative collaboration.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Sheila name in pop culture

Name

Description

Sheila Broflovski

Recurring character in the animated comedy series South Park, known for being Kyle's overprotective mother

Sheila the She-Wolf

Character from the animated film Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, voiced by Queen Latifah

Sheila Carter

Long-running villain character in the soap operas The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful

Sheila

Jamie Foxx's hit 1994 R&B song that reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart

Sheila Jackson

Character portrayed by Joan Cusack in the Showtime series Shameless

7. Famous people named Sheila

Name

Description

Sheila E.

American drummer, percussionist, and singer who collaborated extensively with Prince and had hits like 'The Glamorous Life'

Sheila Hancock

British actress and author known for her work in theater, film, and television, including roles in 'The Rag Trade' and 'EastEnders'

Sheila Hicks

American artist known for innovative textile art and fiber sculptures exhibited in major museums worldwide

Sheila Jordan

American jazz singer, songwriter, and educator known for her bebop and scat vocals who pioneered bass-voice duets

Sheila Nevins

Influential American television producer and former president of HBO Documentary Films who has won dozens of Emmy Awards

Sheila Johnson

American businesswoman, co-founder of BET, and the first African-American woman billionaire, also part-owner of three professional sports franchises

Sheila MacRae

British-born American actress, singer, and dancer known for playing Alice Kramden in 'The Honeymooners'

Sheila Dikshit

Indian politician who served as the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi and was a prominent figure in Indian politics

Sheila Bair

American economist who served as the Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation during the 2008 financial crisis

Sheila Walsh

Scottish Christian author, speaker, and former television host for 'The 700 Club' who has published numerous books on faith

8. Names similar to Sheila

Like Sheila ? What about:

Camille

Bella

Elaine

Declan

Genya

Cayden

Charlee

Marty

Campbell

Carter

Darcy

Eli

Mabel

Tricia

Francis

Aiden

Patty

Caleb

Caden

Bodie

Common sibling names

Sisters

Lauren

August

Bella

Elise

Carmen

Carter

Darcy

Laurel

Amy

Laura

Bonnie

April

Renee

Ainsley

Ella

Camille

Maxine

Elaine

Frances

Charlee

Brothers

Dexter

Lucas

Declan

Darcy

Eli

Bodie

Cayden

Pablo

Aiden

Caiden

Carter

Noel

Caleb

Calum

August

Justin

Quentin

Calvin

Caden

Julio

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Sheila

1. Sheila name meaning and origin

References:

2. Sheila name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Sheila

4. Best name combinations with Sheila

Middle names that pair well with Sheila:

Names that go well when Sheila is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Sheila name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Personality Number:

6. Sheila name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Sheila

8. Names similar to Sheila

Like Sheila ? What about:

Common sibling names

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Sheila

1. Sheila name meaning and origin

References:

2. Sheila name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Sheila

4. Best name combinations with Sheila

Middle names that pair well with Sheila:

Names that go well when Sheila is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Sheila name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Personality Number:

6. Sheila name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Sheila

8. Names similar to Sheila

Like Sheila ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Sheila

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