Holding steady.
Popularity of Shelah since 1935
Babies named Shelah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 68 |
| 1950s | 90 |
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 102 |
| 1980s | 85 |
| 1990s | 48 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Shelah has appeared in U.S. birth records since 1935, but it has never reached a high rank, nor does it have a consistent one-in-N rate. Its peak year was 1974, suggesting a modest cultural echo that has since faded. With a stable trajectory and no strong regional concentration, Shelah remains an uncommon choice. The name's biblical echoes and simple sound keep it in steady but minimal use, appealing to those seeking a name with ancient roots that stand apart from more popular trends.
Shelah appears as a name in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Shelah, son of Judah). Its meaning is uncertain, often linked to the Hebrew root meaning 'to ask' or 'to request'. In modern usage, it is sometimes treated as a variant of Sheila or a feminization of Shelah.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shelah
Names that share Shelah's style, for a brother or sister.
