Find out how popular the first name Sheilah has been for the last 36 years (from 1974 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sheilah by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Sheilah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sheilah.

The history of the first name Sheilah

The name Sheilah is derived from the Hebrew name Shilo, which means "his gift" or "to whom it belongs." This name has its roots in the ancient city of Shiloh, located in the region of Samaria in modern-day Israel. The city held great significance in Jewish history as it served as the religious capital of Israel before the establishment of Jerusalem.

The name Sheilah first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis. It is mentioned as the name of the son of Judah and the daughter of a Canaanite woman named Shuah. This biblical reference dates back to around the 17th century BCE.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Sheilah was a Jewish scholar and philosopher from the 2nd century CE named Sheilah ben Adaiah. He was known for his contributions to Jewish law and his teachings on the Mishnah, the first major work of Rabbinic Judaism.

In the Middle Ages, the name Sheilah was relatively uncommon but was occasionally used by Jewish families living in Europe. One notable figure was Sheilah of Trier, a 12th-century Jewish woman who was accused of host desecration and subsequently martyred for her faith.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained some popularity among Christian families, particularly in England and Scotland. One noteworthy individual was Sheilah Gardiner, born in 1603, who was a prominent landowner and patron of the arts in Oxfordshire, England.

In more recent history, the name Sheilah has been used by several notable individuals, including Sheilah Graham (1904-1988), an American gossip columnist and writer known for her relationships with famous figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Orson Welles. Another prominent individual was Sheilah Kast (1936-2022), an American journalist and radio host who worked for National Public Radio for over 30 years.

While the name Sheilah has Hebrew origins, it has been adopted and adapted by various cultures throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and the diverse backgrounds of those who have borne this name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sheilah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sheilah, please contact us.

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