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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Sheila?

71 replies

Paperyfish · 14/07/2019 07:10

I really like sheila for a baby girl- what do you think? I haven’t met a baby sheila for years!
Any other 1940/ 50’s names that’ll be coming back next?
Also rather like Barbara

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OhEliza · 14/07/2019 07:32

It doesn't sound too bad, but I can't not associate it with several different 50-something dragons I know!

LauderSyme · 14/07/2019 07:34

Sorry no, I'm not a fan of Sheila or most other baby-boomer names but then again it won't be my daughter!

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 14/07/2019 07:38

Sorry not a fan. It's also a slang word in Australia (just to warn you)

tysonadams.com/2016/08/15/what-does-the-australian-term-sheila-mean/

Chottie · 14/07/2019 07:38

Sorry, it's a no from me too.

Do you know Sheila is also Aussie slang for a woman?

BarryBarryTaylor · 14/07/2019 07:39

I know a little Shirley and it really suits her. I think you are ahead of the trend!

leafygarden · 14/07/2019 07:47

Noooo

Agree with Shirley though

AnonymousP · 14/07/2019 08:34

No no no

Original poster
Paperyfish · 14/07/2019 08:55

Wow-
Not a lot of love for sheila!
Was thinking might be quite popular- got the kind of Olivia/ Sophia sounds that are so popular now. She really would be the only one with her name though! Quite like Shirley too though!

OP posts:
Mishappening · 14/07/2019 08:57

I think it is lovely!

MandalaYogaTapestry · 14/07/2019 09:34

It has Eastern undertones for me, I wouldn't choose it for a Caucasian girl

Frith2013 · 14/07/2019 10:05

It might work. If you have a son called Bruce.

Anoushka1986 · 14/07/2019 10:33

Really not keen. As others have said it's the Aussie slang word for woman but in a way like "chicks" and "birds" are slang for women.

piefacedClique · 14/07/2019 10:35

Can only say it in my head with an Australian accent!

Ellmau · 14/07/2019 11:34

Eastern??? It's of Irish origin.

Barbara is better, it's still used abroad so feels less dated even though it's associated with an older generation here.

Pinktinker · 14/07/2019 11:37

My NDN is called Sheila, she is 85.

It’s not an old name that’s currently cool or fashionable in any way like Edith, Albert, Ivy, Norah etc and I don’t see it becoming cool either tbh.

mimibunz · 14/07/2019 11:39

No. It’s not nice.

Colourfulest · 14/07/2019 11:40

Bleeeh nope it's an awful name sorry.

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 14/07/2019 11:41

I quite like the sound of it but not the look, if that makes sense. I've known a really lovely Sheila (in her 40s) and a really rude and crotchety one (in her 80s) so I don't think of it as purely an old lady name.

iklboo · 14/07/2019 11:43

As long as your surname isn't Blige....

Nonnymum · 14/07/2019 11:46

I think 50s and 60s names will become popular again soon like very old names are popular now. I would just say go for it if you like it. I wouldn't worry about the Australian slang unless you live in Australia there are many older Sheila's around and I'm sure it's never bothered them.

Hmmmbop · 14/07/2019 12:08

I know of a few baby Barbara's but the youngest Sheila I know is 27. I do know a few who have it as a middle name but that's because it's family tradition.

Biancadelrioisback · 14/07/2019 12:40

Do you remember the Sheila's wheels advert?

MikeUniformMike · 14/07/2019 13:11

It's fine, as is Barbara.

EdWinchester · 14/07/2019 13:13

Sheila and Barbara? Both awful and belong in a locked vault along with Doris, Mavis and Maureen.

starzig · 14/07/2019 13:43

Love Barbara. All the Barbaras I know are Italian. Must be popular there.

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