Holding steady.
Popularity of Shamila since 1978
Babies named Shamila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 26 |
| 2000s | 40 |
| 2010s | 16 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shamila is a name of Arabic origin, most commonly used for girls. Its first recorded use in the United States was in 1978, and it reached its peak year of use in 2001, yet even then it did not appear in national rankings due to low overall frequency. In recent decades, its trajectory has remained stable, suggesting consistent yet very rare usage among families, especially those with South Asian or Middle Eastern heritage. The name has no recorded top-state adoption, reinforcing its niche status. Parents drawn to Shamila often appreciate its lyrical sound and cultural depth.
Shamila is a feminine name of Arabic origin, possibly a variant of the more common Shamimah or Shamila. Its root sh-m-l conveys the idea of encompassment or inclusion, and by extension, a beloved companion. The name has seen modest use in South Asian Muslim communities, particularly in Pakistan and India, as well as in the Middle East. Its appearance in the U.S. dates to the late 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sham, Mila, Shamy
Variants: Shamela, Shangela, Cemile (Turkish)
Sibling names for Shamila
Names that share Shamila's style, for a brother or sister.
