Declining since 2015.
Popularity of Shailene since 1991
Babies named Shailene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 19 |
| 2010s | 161 |
| 2020s | 49 |
Meaning & origin
Shailene first appeared on the U.S. naming scene in 1991, coinciding with the birth of actress Shailene Woodley, who brought the name into the public eye. It reached its peak popularity in 2014, likely boosted by her starring roles in films such as 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Divergent'. Since 2015, the name has been steadily falling in usage, reflecting its close association with a single celebrity generation. It has never cracked the top 1000 names nationally and has not been recorded in any top state rankings. With a brief trajectory lasting just a few decades, Shailene remains a distinctive modern choice. Its lack of historical depth and specific meaning may appeal to parents seeking a name that feels contemporary and tied to 2010s pop culture.
Shailene first appeared in the late 20th century, likely as a modern invented name blending the popular phonetic elements 'shay' (as in Shay or Shane) and 'leen' (as in Eileen or Aileen). It gained visibility through actress Shailene Woodley (born 1991), after whom the name rose in usage. The name has no long historical or etymological roots in any language, and its meaning is not attested.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shay, Lena, Leeny
Sibling names for Shailene
Names that share Shailene's style, for a brother or sister.
