Shelia
Below 5 births
Below 5 births
About Shelia
Shelia is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Sheila, which originated from the Irish name Síle (pronounced SHEE-la), the Irish form of Cecilia meaning "blind." In Irish legend, Síle was a common name in folklore. This alternate spelling gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s-1960s. While less common than Sheila, Shelia has maintained its own identity and usage. The name has a gentle, melodic quality with its two syllables flowing smoothly together. Its Irish heritage gives it cultural depth, while its familiar sound makes it accessible. Parents might choose Shelia for its slight uniqueness compared to the more conventional spelling while still honoring Irish heritage.
Shelia is also given to boys.
Pronounced SHEE-luh.
As of October 2026, Shelia ranked #4319 for boys in US births in 1971 and #13258 for girls in US births in 2023 SSA, peaked at #2597 for boys in 1965 and #170 for girls in 1959.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · boys | Births · boys | US rank · girls | Births · girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
Shelia on lists
Shelia in pop culture
- Shelia NaylorGirl
character in the "St Clare" book series by Enid Blyton