Active discussions

Help end medical misogyny. Sign our petition.

Help end medical misogyny.
Sign our petition.

Sign the petition

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
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.