Shela Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Shela originates from Hebrew, meaning 'gift' or 'blessing'. It evolved from the Biblical name Shelah and has gained modern popularity as a feminine name. Shela is often viewed positively, associated with creativity and uniqueness, and has notable figures who bear the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shela"
Pronunciation
/ˈʃiːlə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Shela is derived from the Hebrew word 'shela', which means 'gift' or 'blessing'.
Meaning
gift, blessing
Language Evolution
Shelah (Biblical Hebrew), Shela (Modern English)
Biblical Background
Shela is a name mentioned in the Bible as one of the sons of Judah.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late 20th century as a feminine given name, especially among English-speaking populations.
Variants & Derivatives
Shayla, Shelly, Shila
Modern Popularity & Image
Shela is perceived as a modern and unique name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Shela O'Connor (author), Shela Noyes (artist)
📊 Shela Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Shela Name Visualizations
✨ Shela Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 44 peak births in 1950
Geographic Spread
Popular across 8 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Shela" - Complete Guide (4 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Shela". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 4 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Shela" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shela"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shela"
"Shela" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3759th of 9204 | 107 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1916th of 12526 | 601 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3134th of 19264 | 352 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4983rd of 27321 | 278 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 16883rd of 35406 | 60 |
Regional Popularity of "Shela" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Shela" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
60.04% 1713th/2853 |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
81.24% 2858th/3518 |
90.38% 3655th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
100.00% 4475th/4475 |
- |
67.37% 4256th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shela"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shela" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shela" in the United States
The name Shela is most popular in Mississippi, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shela has been stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Shela' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3759th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1916th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3134th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4983rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16883rd out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Shela' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.