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Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Sheela

Sheela

♀ Girl

Pronounced SHEE-luh /ΛˆΚƒiːlΙ™/Medium

Meaning: Sheela has two honest routes. In the English-speaking world it reads as a spelling of Sheila, the Irish form of Cecelia, from the Latin Caecilius and long linked to 'blind'. In Indian use Sheela (also Shila or Sheila) comes from the Sanskrit 'sila', meaning 'conduct', 'character' or 'virtue'. Both routes are real; which applies depends on the family, so we note both.Low

In 30 seconds: Sheela is a variant of the Irish Sheila (from Cecelia) and also a Sanskrit name meaning 'good conduct'. It stayed rare in the United States (said SHEE-luh).
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Origin LowIrish, Sanskrit
MeaningSheela has two honest routes. In the English-speaking world it reads as a spelling of Sheila, the Irish form of Cecelia, from the Latin Caecilius and long linked to 'blind'. In Indian use Sheela (also Shila or Sheila) comes from the Sanskrit 'sila', meaning 'conduct', 'character' or 'virtue'. Both routes are real; which applies depends on the family, so we note both.
U.S. rank (2015)#18731 β†— Rising
2015 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1988
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 679

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 198819432015

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Sheela sits at the meeting of two traditions. As a spelling of the Irish Sheila, it descends from Cecelia, a Roman family name carried by an early Christian saint. As an Indian name it comes from the Sanskrit sila, 'conduct' or 'virtue'. Both are genuine, and Sheela's use in America draws on each depending on heritage.

In United States records the Sheela spelling was never common, reaching only a couple of dozen girls a year around its quiet high point in the late nineteen-eighties. It reads as an understated, cross-cultural name whose look invites more than one story.

Did you know? Sheela lands on the same sound from two directions: the Irish Sheila, a form of Cecelia, and the Sanskrit sila, meaning good conduct or character.
Overall data confidence 40%
References - Sheela / Sheila β€” Variant of Irish Sheila < Cecelia; also Sanskrit 'sila', conduct

Variations

SheilaShilaShylaSheela

Nicknames

SheeLeeSheel

Famous Bearers

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If you like Sheela…

Sheilaβ€” the Irish parent form of this spelling
Shylaβ€” a like short -la name in sound
Shayleeβ€” a like bright Irish-flavored name
Leelaβ€” a Sanskrit-rooted name of similar feel

Explore names like Sheela

By themesanskritirishvariantcross-cultural

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sheela mean?

It is a form of the Irish Sheila, from Cecelia, and also a Sanskrit name meaning 'conduct' or 'good character'.

How do you pronounce Sheela?

It's said SHEE-luh /ΛˆΚƒiːlΙ™/, two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sheela a boy or girl name?

Sheela is used as a girl's name.

Is Sheela a popular name?

No, this spelling has always been rare, seeing a quiet high point in the late nineteen-eighties.

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