Declining since 1985, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Sheina since 1960
Babies named Sheina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 34 |
| 1980s | 144 |
| 1990s | 100 |
| 2000s | 77 |
| 2010s | 62 |
| 2020s | 59 |
Meaning & origin
Sheina is a rare name of Hebrew and Yiddish origin, meaning 'beautiful' or 'lily.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1960 and peaked in popularity in 1986, though it has remained uncommon. As of 2025, it ranked 9,457, with only 1 in 160,727 newborns receiving the name. Its usage has been declining since 1985, reflecting a broader trend of diminishing use for traditional Yiddish names. The name is most frequently recorded in New York, where a significant Jewish population has historically favored it. Despite its rarity, Sheina carries a soft, melodic sound that appeals to families seeking a name with cultural depth and a gentle meaning.
Sheina is a Yiddish variant of the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning 'lily' or 'rose,' but it is more commonly associated with the Hebrew name Yiskah (Jesse) meaning 'God beholds.' However, in Yiddish, Sheina means 'beautiful.' It may also be a form of the Hebrew name Sheina, a diminutive of Shoshana. The name gained usage among Ashkenazi Jewish communities.
Where Sheina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sheina” around the world
Where Sheina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shey, Shay, Nina
Sibling names for Sheina
Names that share Sheina's style, for a brother or sister.
