Sheelagh Flanagan
Irish actress and social activist known for her contributions to theatre and community work in Northern Ireland.
IPA Pronunciation
ˈʃiːlə
Say It Like
Syllables
Sheelagh is a feminine name of Irish origin, derived as a variant of Siobhán, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' It historically signifies devotion and righteousness, often bestowed in Gaelic-speaking communities as a symbol of faith and purity. The name carries a rich cultural heritage linked to Ireland’s deep Christian roots and linguistic traditions.
Cultural Significance of Sheelagh
Sheelagh is deeply rooted in Irish culture, often linked to the Gaelic tradition of naming children after saints or biblical figures. It reflects a reverence for spiritual values and a connection to Irish heritage. Historically, the name was popular in rural Ireland and amongst Irish diaspora communities maintaining their cultural identity abroad. It embodies a blend of faith, tradition, and linguistic uniqueness.
Sheelagh Name Popularity in 2025
In contemporary times, Sheelagh is a rare but cherished name, often chosen by parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful Irish name. Its vintage charm appeals to those who appreciate cultural depth and historical resonance. While not widely used today, it enjoys a quiet resurgence among families celebrating heritage and uniqueness, often favored in English-speaking countries with Irish roots.
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International Variations11
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More Girl Names Starting With S10
Name Energy & Essence
The name Sheelagh carries the essence of “Child of the righteous or devoted” from Irish tradition. Names beginning with "S" often embody qualities of spirituality, sensitivity, and inner strength.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Sheelagh is deeply rooted in Irish culture, often linked to the Gaelic tradition of naming children after saints or biblical figures. It reflects a reverence for spiritual values and a connection to Irish heritage. Historically, the name was popular in rural Ireland and amongst Irish diaspora communities maintaining their cultural identity abroad. It embodies a blend of faith, tradition, and linguistic uniqueness.
Sheelagh Murnaghan
Northern Irish politician and barrister, notable for her advocacy in civil rights and service as a Member of Parliament.
Sheelagh Gilbey
British television presenter and actress with a career in children’s entertainment and drama.
Sheelagh Kelly
Irish artist and illustrator, recognized for her work in promoting Irish visual arts internationally.
Sheelagh Whittaker
Canadian business executive and author, noted for her leadership roles in major corporations.
Sheelagh Carpendale
Canadian computer scientist known for her work in information visualization and human-computer interaction.
Sheelagh Dorward
British Olympic fencer who represented Great Britain in international competitions.
Sheelagh McGuinness
Irish poet and writer with contributions to modern Irish literature.
Sheelagh Flanagan
Actress and Activist
Sheelagh Murnaghan
Politician
Sheelagh Gilbey
TV Presenter
Sheelagh Whittaker
Business Executive
Sheelagh Carpendale
Computer Scientist
Sheelagh Kelly
Artist
Sheelagh McGuinness
Writer
Sheelagh Dorward
Fencer
The Secret of Roan Inish ()
Brooklyn ()
Dancing at Lughnasa ()
The Quiet Man ()
Angela’s Ashes ()
Waking Ned Devine ()
Circle of Friends ()
Cal ()
Sheelagh
🌐Spanish
Sheelagh
🌐French
Sheelagh
🌐German
Sheelagh
🌐Italian
シーラ (Shīra)
🌐Japanese
希拉 (Xīlā)
🌐Chinese
شيلاغ (Sheelagh)
🌐Arabic
Fun Fact About Sheelagh
Sheelagh is a less common variant of the popular Irish name Siobhán, which was historically Anglicized as Sheila, showing the rich diversity in Gaelic-to-English name adaptations.
Personality Traits for Sheelagh
Individuals named Sheelagh are often perceived as compassionate, creative, and introspective. They tend to have a strong sense of loyalty and are deeply empathetic, valuing meaningful connections. Sheelaghs may possess a quiet strength and resilience, paired with an artistic or spiritual inclination that draws others to their thoughtful nature.
What does the name Sheelagh mean?
Sheelagh is a Irish name meaning “Child of the righteous or devoted”. Sheelagh is a feminine name of Irish origin, derived as a variant of Siobhán, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' It historically signifies devotion and righteousness, often bestowed in Gaelic-speaking communities as a symbol of faith and purity. The name carries a rich cultural heritage linked to Ireland’s deep Christian roots and linguistic traditions.
How do you pronounce Sheelagh?
Sheelagh is pronounced (IPA: ˈʃiːlə). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Sheelagh?
Popular nicknames for Sheelagh include: Shee, Lea, Laghie, SheeShee, Sheela, Shay, SheeLahBee, Lally, Sheezy, Shee-Sue.
Who are famous people named Sheelagh?
Famous people named Sheelagh include: , , , , .
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Sheelagh is a beautiful Irish name meaning “Child of the righteous or devoted”. Sheelagh is a feminine name of Irish origin, derived as a variant of Siobhán, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' It historically signifies devotion and righteo...
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