Sheila is a female name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish Gaelic word "Séile" which means "she is abundant in peace." The name Sheila has been traditionally associated with Ireland and has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique sound and meaning.
The name Sheila was first brought into prominence by the Irish poet and playwright, William Butler Yeats. He used it as the central character's name in his play titled "Sheila's Way of the World," which premiered in 1894. This exposure further popularized the name among English-speaking countries.
Through time, Sheila has been interpreted differently across cultures. In some traditions, it is believed to symbolize a peaceful and tranquil spirit. In others, it signifies strength and resilience due to its association with the Irish heritage known for its fiery independence.
Today, Sheila remains a popular choice as a given name among parents around the world who appreciate its unique sound, historical significance, and profound meaning. Despite being rooted deeply in Irish culture, it has transcended geographical boundaries and has become a global name of choice.
The name Sheila has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with its popularity fluctuating over time. The earliest recorded birth of a girl named Sheila in the US was in 1915, with only five such births that year.
However, it wasn't until the 1930s that the name started to gain significant traction, with the number of annual births rising steadily from just seven in 1922 to over 400 by the end of the decade. The peak popularity of the name Sheila occurred between 1950 and 1967, during which time it consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular girls' names each year.
At its zenith in 1953, a total of 1484 girls were named Sheila, making it the 22nd most popular name for that year. This popularity continued throughout the 1960s, with over 1000 births occurring annually until 1970.
Despite its waning popularity in subsequent decades, Sheila remained a relatively common name, with at least 80 births recorded each year between 1970 and 2003. Since then, the number of annual Sheila births has declined significantly, with fewer than ten such births occurring annually since 2008.
In total, over the past century, more than 47,000 girls have been named Sheila in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, it's clear that this name has left a lasting impact on American culture and continues to be chosen by parents today, albeit less frequently than in previous decades.