How Many People Are Named Sheila?
Complete statistics for the name Sheila: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Sheila, an Irish name meaning 'bright', has seen its popularity wane but remains a cherished choice. It's estimated that 1 in 1,714 Americans today are named Sheila, making it quite uncommon. With most people named Sheila over 60, it's clear this name skews towards older generations.
📖 Meaning & Origin
People with the life path number 9 are often seen as compassionate and understanding, dedicated to helping others.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 66All 239,354 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 1962Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Declining
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Sheila Through the Generations
Sheila reached her peak in 1962 when 8,806 babies were given this name, marking a significant moment in American naming trends. Today, the majority of people named Sheila are over 60, with 169,148 individuals in this age group, indicating a strong generational skew. The name's current trend shows a decline, positioning it as a classic name that's becoming less frequent among younger parents.
📍 State Distribution (Top 10)
🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Sheila's Irish roots
📄 About the Name Sheila
How Many People Have the Name Sheila?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 192,587 people in the United States currently share the name Sheila. That works out to roughly 1 in every 1,714 Americans, placing it in the Uncommon category.
Is Sheila a Common or Rare Name?
Sheila is classified as Uncommon. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Sheila Mean?
Sheila means "bright" and comes from Irish origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 9.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Sheila in SSA data, approximately 0% are male and 100% are female.
When Was Sheila Most Popular?
The name Sheila reached peak popularity in 1962, with 8,806 babies registered that year. Current trend: Declining.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Sheila?
Approximately 192,587 people named Sheila live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 239,354. That works out to roughly 1 in 1,714 Americans.
Is Sheila a rare name?
Sheila is classified as Uncommon in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 1,714 Americans has this name.
What does the name Sheila mean?
Sheila means "bright" and comes from Irish origins.
Is Sheila more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 0% of people named Sheila are male and 100% are female.
When was Sheila most popular?
Sheila peaked in 1962 with 8,806 births that year. Current trend: Declining.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.