Sheelagh

Sheelagh is an Irish and English spelling variant of Sheila, the Anglicized form of Irish Síle. Síle is the Irish form of Cecilia, an ancient Roman family name whose meaning is uncertain; it was later popularly connected with Latin caecus, “blind.” Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music, gave the name family Christian significance. The spelling Sheelagh reflects English attempts to represent Irish pronunciation. Notable bearers include British artist Sheelagh Colclough and actor Sheelagh Cullen.