A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Shilo since 1970
Babies named Shilo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 586 | 232 |
| 1980s | 385 | 163 |
| 1990s | 292 | 173 |
| 2000s | 222 | 130 |
| 2010s | 233 | 145 |
| 2020s | 135 | 427 |
Meaning & origin
Shilo is a modern American name that first appeared in records in 1970. It reached its peak rank of 4,546 in 1978, with approximately 1 in 53,576 newborns receiving the name in 2025. After a period of decline, it has been rising steadily since 2003. The name is unisex and remains relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive choice. Its etymology is tied to the biblical place name Shiloh, though the spelling 'Shilo' is a contemporary variation. While not among the most popular names, its revival in recent decades suggests a modest but persistent appeal.
Shilo as a given name likely derives from the biblical place name Shiloh, an ancient city in Israel. The name Shiloh appears in the Bible as a place and a messianic title, but Shilo is a modern spelling variation that emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. It gained some popularity after the 1970s, possibly influenced by cultural references.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shy, Lo
Sibling names for Shilo
Names that share Shilo's style, for a brother or sister.
