Shaileigh is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Sióla, which means 'descendant of Siol'. The name Shaileigh combines the elements 'Siol', meaning 'seed' or 'progeny', and '-igh', a suffix often added to Irish names to denote 'full of' or 'having'. Therefore, Shaileigh can be interpreted as 'having plenty of descendants' or 'abundant in offspring'.
The name Shaileigh is pronounced /'ʃælɪ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with the emphasis on the first syllable. It typically has five syllables and follows a stressed-unstressed pattern: ShAI-leigh.
Historically, Shaileigh was a surname before it became a given name. It originated in County Kerry, Ireland, where it was likely an anglicization of Síol. Today, Shaileigh is primarily used as a female given name, although its use is still relatively uncommon.
Shaileigh's spelling can vary slightly, with some common alternatives including Shaeleigh, Shealeigh, and Shayleigh. However, the most popular spelling is Shaileigh. The name has also been associated with various nicknames and pet forms, such as Shai, Leigh, and Shaile.
Overall, Shaileigh is a distinctive and meaningful Irish name that carries a strong historical background. Its unique origin and pronunciation make it an attractive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet significant name for their daughter.
"The name Shaileigh was given to 6 newborns in 2011, with no further occurrences recorded since."