sheelah

Sheelah is a female given name that is often considered a variant of Sheila or Sheelah. In many English-language contexts, it is used as an alternate spelling of names that share the same Gaelic roots, and it has appeared particularly within Irish communities and among the Irish diaspora.

Etymologically, the name is linked to Síle, the Irish form of Cecilia. Cecilia derives from the Latin Caecilia, a name historically associated with the early Christian saint Cecilia. Over time, Síle gave rise to English forms such as Sheila and Sheelah, with sheelah and sheelah-derived spellings like sheelah/sheelah representing less common or more individually styled renditions.

Usage and spelling variants vary by region and family preference. The more common forms in Ireland and among Irish-Americans are Sheila and Sheelah, while Sheelah is a less frequent variant encountered in personal records, literature, or naming choices that favor distinctive spellings. As with many Gaelic-origin names, the exact meaning attributed by bearers or communities tends to reflect cultural associations with Irish heritage rather than a separate definitional gloss.

Overall, Sheelah is primarily recognized as a given name linked to the broader Sheila family of names, with roots in Síle and Cecilia. It does not denote a separate term or concept beyond its use as a personal name, and variations in spelling reflect individual or familial preferences within English-speaking communities.