Baby names that sound like / honour “Sheila”

[SaveSheila]

My beloved Mum passed away 2 years ago, and I’d like to honour her in naming my baby daughter.

the problem is, her Scottish dad named her Sheila and even though it is a beautiful sounding name, it’s unusable (it’s slang for “a woman” in Australia for anyone that doesn’t know, a bit like calling a girl “bird”).

does anyone have any ideas for names that sound a bit like Sheila (eg using the “Sh” and “la” sounds) or maybe other Scottish / Celtic names with similar resonance?

I’ve thought about “Celia” but I don’t really like that sibilant “see” sound.

Shula?

Sheena is still used in Scotland. Or the garlic Saorsa (means freedom) - prounounced Shore-sha or Sir-sha?

Shila? Pitt/Jolie got there first though

That's Shiloh

Are you in Australia? If not I wouldn’t worry about it.

You could use it as a middle name.

I pondered with the anagram Elisha in similar circumstances

I can't think of any names that fit your criteria of containing both a distinctive "sh" and "la" sound. The closest I can come up with is Charlotte, but I would never make the connection between that and Sheila. Could you use Sheila as a middle name instead? Personally I think your child's first name should be something you love, not just the best thing you can come up with that sounds sort of like someone else's name.

Siobhan? Or Shona, although I[m not sure how Scottish/Celtic that is.

Cecile
cecily
(imo are both much nicer than Sheila)

Did you mum have a middle name?

Shyla?

Síofra (she uh frah)

Shola

Siona or Sheena
Shelby
Shayla
Shyla

love the idea of the anagram Elisha

Shula as in The Archers.

I agree with @JellyDeels best to choose a name you love and have Sheila as a middle name.

The likes of Shona and Sheila are not popular names with this generation. No Celtic person would call their child 'Cecily'.

Yes Saorsa is modern and often used, but nothing to do with Sheila. Remember Celtic names have specific meanings - you can't claim one is like another. Might be worth looking at those and see if the meanings resonate with you.

I like Nuala, short for Finnoula.

Ashlie?

This is a good idea, lovely name, and all the letters from the name you wish to honour! Leshia (lesh-ai-ah) would work also. I'm not too keen on untraditional spellings, but if that doesn't bother you Ehlisa (El-is-ah), Ahlise (Ah-lise), or Haisel (Hazel) would also work using the same letters.

There's Shula/Shulamit, but I would assume they're Jewish.

Leela?

What about using her middle name/maiden name/birth month/favourite flower etc?

Delia.

Sasha
Shannon
Shelley
Stella

I would use Sheila as a middle name if it is important to you to honour your mum. The other names suggested on this thread are lovely but having a few letters or a sound in common doesn't honour a loved ones name (in my opinion).

Shelly
Shea
Shay
Shayla