MallowbyNames

Shala

SHAH-lah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Shala, a name of several meanings, or a modern coinage.

Peak popularity
1991
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1990

Declining since 1990.

Popularity of Shala since 1947

Babies named Shala per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3059891960198020002020Most births 1991Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s6
1950s21
1960s102
1970s469
1980s670
1990s579
2000s193
2010s21
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Shala is a name of uncertain origin, first recorded in the United States in 1947. It reached its peak popularity in 1991, but has been declining in use since the 1990s and does not rank in the top 1,000 names. Likely a modern coinage or a variant of names from diverse linguistic backgrounds, Shala appeals to parents seeking a short, melodic name with a gentle sound. Its usage has remained rare, reflecting its status as an unconventional choice.

Shala is a name of uncertain origin, likely a modern American coinage. It may be a variant of Shala, which has roots in Sanskrit (meaning 'mountain') or Arabic (a short form of Ayesha), but the specific usage in the United States appears to be a creative spelling or phonetic invention. The name entered U.S. records in 1947 and saw its peak usage in 1991, but has since declined.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Shay, Lala

Sibling names for Shala

Names that share Shala's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Kira, Talia, Maya, Leila, Alana

Brothers: Kai, Zane, Ethan, Liam, Noah

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Shala, our favorite little girl.

S is for Shala…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Shala's letter becomes Shala's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Shala's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Shala mean?
The meaning of Shala is uncertain. It may be a variant of Shala, which has possible meanings including 'mountain' in Sanskrit or a diminutive of Ayesha in Arabic, but its U.S. usage is likely a modern invention without a traditional meaning.
How popular is the name Shala?
Shala has never ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names. Its peak year was 1991, and it has been declining in use since the 1990s.
Is Shala a boy or girl name?
Shala is almost exclusively used as a girl's name in the United States.