Sheelah is a unique and uncommon female name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Síle, which means "she who is peaceful" or "peaceful one." The name Sheelah is believed to have originated as a variant spelling of Síle, possibly influenced by English language conventions.
The name Sheelah has not been extensively used throughout history, making it difficult to trace its historical significance. However, it is worth noting that the Irish name Síle, from which Sheelah is derived, was quite popular in Ireland during the Middle Ages and has been borne by several notable figures in Irish history and mythology.
One famous bearer of the name Síle was Saint Sileas, a 7th-century Irish saint who became the patroness of the island of Colonsay off the west coast of Scotland. Legend has it that Saint Sileas converted many people to Christianity through her kindness and compassion, which is fitting for someone with a name meaning "peaceful one."
Today, Sheelah remains a rare and distinctive name choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its Irish origins add a touch of cultural heritage to the name, while its peaceful meaning makes it a suitable choice for those who wish to bestow a name with positive connotations upon their child.
In summary, Sheelah is an uncommon female name of Irish origin that means "peaceful one." While not extensively used throughout history, it has roots in Irish history and mythology through its derivation from the popular Middle Ages name Síle. Parents who choose Sheelah for their daughter may appreciate its unique sound, Irish heritage, and peaceful meaning.
Statistics on the Given Name Sheelah in the United States:
In the United States, the given name Sheelah has seen varied popularity over the years, with a total of 89 babies being named Sheelah since 1943.
The year 1965 was particularly popular for the name Sheelah, with 7 births recorded that year. This was closely followed by 1943 and 1969, each with 7 births as well.
Interestingly, there were also two instances where 6 babies were named Sheelah in a single year: in 1951 and again in 1961.
The most recent year on record for which we have data is 1985, where 6 babies were named Sheelah.
It's worth noting that the popularity of the name Sheelah has been relatively consistent over time, with no significant peaks or valleys. This suggests a steady and stable trend in its usage as a given name in the United States.