What is the meaning of the name Sheila?

The name Sheila means blessing, joy, and beautiful, often associated with grace and elegance.

Where does the name Sheila originate from?

Sheila originates from the Gaelic word Síle, pertaining to Irish culture and is the Gaelic equivalent of Cecilia.

Is Sheila a male or female name?

Sheila is predominantly a female name but has been occasionally used for males in some cultures.

How popular is the name Sheila?

Sheila was very popular in mid-20th century in the US and UK but has seen a decline in recent years.

How is the name Sheila used globally?

Globally, Sheila is used in various cultural contexts with varying pronunciations, especially in Ireland and English-speaking countries.

What profession do people named Sheila pursue?

Many Sheilas work in social work, education, and the arts, demonstrating a trend towards helping and creative roles.

Are there similar names to Sheila?

Similar names to Sheila include Sinead, Siobhan, and Fiona, which share Irish origins and meanings.

Who are some famous people named Sheila?

Notable Sheilas include Sheila E., a renowned American percussionist, and Sheila Jackson Lee, a U.S. politician.

Sheila - Name Origins, Meaning, and Cultural Impact

Meaning behind the Name Sheila

The name Sheila is a feminine name primarily known for its Irish origin. Often linked to meanings like blessing, joy, and beautiful, it carries a connotation of grace and elegance. It shares a similar meaning with the Gaelic name Síle, highlighting a woman of beauty and charm. Such interpretations resonate with its use across various cultures, reflective of its enduring appeal.

Find more names related to the name Sheila.

Blessing, Joy, Beautiful, Gaelic, Irish,

Sheila - Name Origins, Meaning, and Cultural Impact

The Irish Origin of Sheila

The name Sheila originates from the Gaelic word Síle, which is the Irish equivalent of the Latin name Cecilia. It is deeply rooted in Irish culture and history, where it has been a popular name for many centuries. The name gained prominence in the English-speaking world particularly in the 20th century, becoming a classic choice for its musical sound and cultural heritage.

Gender Association of the Name Sheila

While predominantly used as a female name, Sheila occasionally appears in other gender contexts. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, the name has become a colloquial term for women more broadly. Famous bearers include Sheila Jackson Lee from the United States, attesting to its feminine association. However, its occasional cross-gender use highlights its adaptability.

Popularity of the Name Sheila

The name Sheila enjoys significant popularity, especially in the United States and United Kingdom. Historically, it saw a peak during the mid-20th century. Recently, however, its popularity has waned, although it still holds a place in many English-speaking households. Sheila remains a beloved choice for its classic charm and cross-cultural appeal, despite newer trends in naming conventions.

Global Usage of the Name Sheila

Globally, the name Sheila maintains a reputation across diverse cultures. In India, it is occasionally used with variant pronunciations. In Australia, it also has social significance as a term for women. Each cultural context adds layers of meaning and pronunciation, showcasing the name’s versatility. Its global recognition underscores its cross-cultural resonance and adaptability.

Global Distribution and Gender Ratio of the Name Sheila
Country	Usage %	Female %	Male %
BR	32.51%	99.33%	0.67%
US	31.34%	99.83%	0.17%
ID	9.72%	99.02%	0.98%
PH	7.2%	99.81%	0.19%
MX	3.65%	99.25%	0.75%

The gender analysis and popularity insights for different regions are derived from Gender API.

Characteristic Features of People Named Sheila

Graceful : Often associated with elegance and poise, individuals named Sheila are thought to carry themselves gracefully.
Charismatic : People named Sheila tend to exhibit charm and a strong presence, drawing others towards them effortlessly.
Compassionate : Sheila is often linked with kindness and empathy, showing a caring nature towards others.
Intuitive : Known for their insightful minds, people named Sheila may have a strong sense of intuition.

Common Career Paths for People Named Sheila

Social Worker : Driven by compassion, many Sheilas are drawn to professions that involve helping and supporting others.
Arts and Entertainment : With a flair for creativity, some Sheilas excel in the arts, either performing or creating.
Education : A strong suit in mentorship allows many Sheilas to shine in educational roles, impacting lives positively.

Unique and Interesting Characteristics of the Name Sheila

Pop Culture Representation : The name Sheila has been used in various songs and movies, often representing a charming female character.
Historical References : There have been prominent figures with this name in history, adding to its enduring resonance.
Linguistic Variability : Known for its adaptability, Sheila can be customized to fit different linguistic nuances across cultures.

Famous People Named Sheila

Sheila E.: American percussionist and singer
Sheila Dikshit: Former Chief Minister of Delhi, India
Sheila Jackson Lee: American politician, serving in the House of Representatives
Sheila Hancock: British actress and author

Similar Names

Sinead: Of Irish origin, well-known and signifies God is gracious.
Siobhan: An Irish name that means God is gracious, often associated with beauty.
Cecilia: Latin rooted, means blind but is associated with musical talent.
Fiona: Another Irish name, meaning fair or white.
Niamh: From Irish mythology, means bright or radiant.
Maeve: A Gaelic name symbolizing a queen or someone of great power.
Roisin: An Irish name meaning little rose, it signifies delicacy.
Alana: Of Celtic origin, meaning harmony or little rock.
Bridget: Means exalted one or someone of strength in Irish.
Aisling: Translated to dream or vision, common in Irish poetry.