Sheila is a feminine given name of Scottish origin. It was traditionally used as a diminutive of the Gaelic name "Seonaid", which means "God is merciful". However, over time Sheila has come to be considered a name in its own right and is now often used independently.
The earliest known use of Sheila as a given name can be traced back to Scotland during the 17th century. It was traditionally associated with Scotland's Highlands region, where it was typically given to girls born into Scottish Highland families.
In English-speaking countries, particularly in places like England, Ireland, and Australia, Sheila gained popularity during the mid-20th century. Today, it is still widely used as a given name for girls around the world. In fact, according to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Sheila has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 most popular baby girl names in America each year since record-keeping began.
Some notable individuals who bear the name Sheila include American singer-songwriter Sheila E., Canadian actress Sheila McCarthy, and British royal family member Princess Sheila, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent. Despite its royal connection, Sheila remains a relatively accessible and approachable given name that continues to appeal to parents seeking a classic yet distinctive option for their daughters.
In conclusion, Sheila is a feminine given name with Scottish origins that has gained international recognition over centuries. Its meaning, "God is merciful", reflects the cultural heritage of its ancestral home in Scotland's Highlands region. Today, Sheila remains an enduringly popular choice for baby girls worldwide, beloved for its timeless charm and connection to Scottish history.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trends and popularity of the name Sheila over several decades in the United States.
The name Sheila first appeared in the top 1000 baby names list in the United States in 1929 with a total of 5 births that year. The popularity of the name increased steadily throughout the following years, peaking in 1967 with a total of 27 births.
During the 1940s and 1950s, the name Sheila remained relatively popular, with an average of around 13-15 births per year. However, it is worth noting that there was a significant drop in popularity between 1955 and 1962, with only 7 births recorded each year during this period.
The 1960s marked a resurgence in the popularity of the name Sheila, with a steady increase in births each year until reaching its peak in 1967. The decade closed with a total of 154 births, making it the most popular decade for the name Sheila thus far.
However, after the peak in 1967, the popularity of the name Sheila began to decline once again. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, there were fewer than 20 births each year on average, with some years seeing as few as 5 or 6 births.
Overall, from 1929 to 1989, a total of 648 babies were named Sheila in the United States. While the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it has remained relatively consistent throughout much of its history.