Rising since 2002, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Sheva since 1966
Babies named Sheva per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 22 |
| 1970s | 51 |
| 1980s | 59 |
| 1990s | 49 |
| 2000s | 56 |
| 2010s | 51 |
| 2020s | 85 |
Meaning & origin
Sheva is a rare and distinctive name that has been climbing the U.S. popularity charts since the early 2000s. First recorded in 1966, it reached its peak rank of 5,917 in 2025, with an incidence of 1 in 80,363 births. The name is most common in New Jersey, suggesting a possible cultural or regional preference. While its origins are uncertain, the name's sound and spelling give it a modern feel, and its rising trajectory since 2002 signals growing appeal among parents seeking an uncommon, melodic name. Despite its rarity, Sheva has a soft, feminine quality that fits well with contemporary naming trends favoring short, vowel-ending names.
Sheva is a rare name of uncertain derivation. It may be a variant of Sheba, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'oath' or 'seven', appearing in the Old Testament as the name of a queen and a place. Alternatively, it could be a modern coinage or a respelling of Shiva. The name has seen modest use in the United States since the 1960s, with a recent uptick in popularity.
Where Sheva is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Shevah, Sheba
Sibling names for Sheva
Names that share Sheva's style, for a brother or sister.
