Declining since 2009, #5,099 for girls today.
Popularity of Shaila since 1960
Babies named Shaila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 42 |
| 1970s | 124 |
| 1980s | 231 |
| 1990s | 545 |
| 2000s | 1,068 |
| 2010s | 1,077 |
| 2020s | 173 |
Meaning & origin
Shaila first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1960, but it saw its highest usage in 2010, when it ranked 5,099th. Since 2009, its popularity has been declining, and in 2025, it was given to about 1 in every 64,291 newborn girls. The name is most common in California, reflecting its appeal among families with Arabic or South Asian heritage. While its exact meaning depends on cultural context, it remains a distinctive choice with a soft, melodic sound.
Shaila has multiple possible origins. In Arabic, it is related to the root 'shayl' meaning 'to ask' or 'to request'. In Sanskrit, it is derived from 'shila' or 'shaila', meaning 'rock' or 'mountain'. The name gained some popularity in English-speaking countries from the 1960s onward, possibly as a variant of Shyla or a female form of Shail.
Where Shaila is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shay, Lala
Sibling names for Shaila
Names that share Shaila's style, for a brother or sister.
