Declining since 2008, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Shilah since 1974
Babies named Shilah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 48 |
| 1980s | 109 |
| 1990s | 161 |
| 2000s | 306 |
| 2010s | 212 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
Shilah is a name of uncertain origin that first appeared in American birth records in 1974. It likely emerged as a modern coinage, possibly a variant of Shiloh or a creative respelling drawing on the popular -ah suffix. The name reached its peak popularity in 2007, when it was given to the most babies in a single year. Since 2008, its usage has been on a gradual decline. In 2025, it ranked 5,917, with only about 1 in 80,363 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular state or region. Despite its modest use, Shilah has a light and lyrical sound that appeals to parents seeking a name that feels contemporary and soft.
Shilah first appeared in U.S. records in 1974, likely a modern invented name or a respelling of Shiloh, which itself has biblical associations from the Hebrew place name meaning 'place of rest' or 'tranquil.' It may also be influenced by similar-sounding names like Sheila or Lila. The name has seen sporadic use, rising in the 2000s before declining.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shy, Lala
Sibling names for Shilah
Names that share Shilah's style, for a brother or sister.
